Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that is free from a reduction in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of the liquid crystal layer and an increase in ion density (ID) and that enables problems of defective display, such as white spots, uneven alignment, and image-sticking, to be eliminated. In particular, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound having a specific structure is used in the liquid crystal layer and in which an optically anisotropic body formed through polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a specific amount of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having a specific structure is used as an in-cell retardation layer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device.

BACKGROUND ART

Liquid crystal display devices have come to be applied to, for example,watches, calculators, a variety of household electrical appliances,measuring equipment, panels used in automobiles, word processors,electronic notebooks, printers, computers, and television sets.Representative examples of types of liquid crystal display devicesinclude a TN (twisted nematic) type, an STN (super twisted nematic)type, a DS (dynamic scattering) type, a GH (guest⋅host) type, an IPS(in-plane switching) type, an OCB (optically compensated birefringence)type, an ECB (electrically controlled birefringence) type, a VA(vertical alignment) type, a CSH (color super homeotropic) type, and anFLC (ferroelectric liquid crystal) type. A typical drive system isstatic driving; however, multiplex driving has become common, and apassive matrix and, in recent years, an active matrix (AM) in which aTFT (thin film transistor), a TFD (thin film diode), or another deviceis used for driving have become mainstream.

In general, liquid crystal display devices have a view angle dependencyattributed to the birefringence properties of the liquid crystalmolecules. In order to address the view angle dependency, an opticalfilm (also referred to as optical compensation film) having differentbirefringence properties from liquid crystal molecules is used. In aliquid crystal display device in which rod-like liquid crystal moleculeshaving a positive dielectric anisotropy are used, for example, a liquidcrystal cell provided with just a polarizing plate has a problem withviewing angle characteristics, in which light leaking from the liquidcrystal cell is observed when it is viewed in an oblique direction.

Techniques for addressing such a problem with viewing anglecharacteristics have been employed; for instance, one biaxialretardation layer is placed between a liquid crystal cell and each ofupper and lower polarizing plates, both one uniaxial retardation layerand one completely axial retardation layer are placed on each of theupper and lower sides of a liquid cell, or a uniaxial retardation layerand a completely biaxial retardation layer are disposed on one side of aliquid crystal cell.

A liquid crystal display device of which a retardation layer is disposedoutside the liquid crystal cell (out-cell type) has been common;however, in order to enhance productivity by reducing the thickness andweight of a liquid crystal display device and by eliminating anattachment step, a liquid crystal display device of which a retardationlayer is disposed inside the liquid crystal cell (in-cell type) hasrecently come to be developed. Representative known examples of such atechnique are, for instance, as follows: disposing a positive A plateinside a liquid crystal cell (see PTL 1), disposing a positive C plateinside a liquid crystal cell (PTL 2), and providing retardation layersof a positive A plate and positive C plate (see PTL 3).

Since the electric properties of a display device are greatly affectedby impurities remaining in a liquid crystal material used in a liquidcrystal layer, the impurity content has been highly controlled.Furthermore, it is known that an alignment film is directly in contactwith a liquid crystal layer and that the electric properties of theliquid crystal layer are affected by the movement of impuritiesremaining in the alignment film to the liquid crystal layer; hence, thecharacteristics of the liquid crystal display device that are attributedto impurities remaining in a material used for forming the alignmentfilm has been studied.

In an in-cell liquid crystal display device of which a retardation layeris present inside the cell, a transparent electrode layer and analignment film are between the liquid crystal layer and the retardationlayer, and the direct effect of the retardation layer on the liquidcrystal layer has been believed to be greatly smaller than the directeffect of a material used for forming the alignment film. The thicknessof the alignment film is, however, generally not more than 0.1 μm, andthe thickness of the transparent electrode layer is substantiallysimilar. The liquid crystal layer and the retardation layer are notnecessarily completely separated from each other; thus, it is speculatedthat impurities remaining in the retardation layer in an in-cell typehave an effect on the liquid crystal layer as in a material used forforming the alignment film. The retardation layer containing impuritiesthat have passed through the alignment film and the transparentelectrode may cause a reduction in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) ofthe liquid crystal layer and defective display such as generation ofwhite spots due to increased ion density (ID), uneven alignment, andimage-sticking. The effects of impurities remaining in the retardationlayer on the liquid crystal layer, however, have not been studied.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-98596

PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-78431

PTL 3: WO 11/007669

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystaldisplay device in which a liquid crystal composition containing a liquidcrystal compound having a specific structure and an in-cell retardationlayer containing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition thatcontains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having a specificstructure in the intended amount are used to prevent a reduction in thevoltage holding ratio (VHR) of the liquid crystal layer and an increasein ion density (ID) and to eliminate problems of defective display suchas white spots, uneven alignment, and image-sticking.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the inventors haveintensively studied a combination of the structure of polymerizableliquid crystal used in a retardation layer and the structure of a liquidcrystal material used in a liquid crystal layer and found that a liquidcrystal display device of which a liquid crystal composition containinga liquid crystal compound having a specific structure is used in theliquid crystal layer and of which an optically anisotropic body formedthrough polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystal compositioncontaining a polymerizable liquid crystal compound with a specificstructure in the intended amount is used in the retardation layer isfree from a reduction in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of the liquidcrystal layer and an increase in ion density (ID) and enables problemsof defective display such as white spots, uneven alignment, andimage-sticking to be eliminated, thereby accomplishing the presentinvention.

In particular, the present invention provides a liquid crystal displaydevice including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystallayer disposed between the first and second substrates, a retardationlayer disposed between the pair of substrates, and at least a pair ofelectrodes, wherein the liquid crystal layer contains a liquid crystalcomposition containing at least one compound represented by GeneralFormula (I)

(in the formula, R³¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10carbon atoms; M³¹ to M³³ each independently represent atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, at least one—CH₂— in the trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group is optionally substitutedwith —O— such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other,and at least one hydrogen atom in the phenylene group is optionallysubstituted with a fluorine atom; X³¹ and X³² each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; Z³¹ represents a fluorineatom, a trifluoromethoxy group, or a trifluoromethyl group; K³¹represents —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —CF₂O—, or —OCF₂—; n³¹ and n³² eachindependently represent 0, 1, or 2, and n³¹+n³² is 0, 1, or 2; and inthe case where M³¹ and M³³ are multiple, corresponding ones of them maybe the same as or different from each other) and at least one compoundselected from the group consisting of compounds represented by GeneralFormulae (II-a) to (II-f)

(in the formulae, R¹⁹ to R³⁰ each independently represent an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; and X²¹represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom), and

the retardation layer is an optically anisotropic body formed throughpolymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing25 weight % or more of a liquid crystal compound having at least twopolymerizable functional groups.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, a liquidcrystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound having aspecific structure is used in the liquid crystal layer, and an opticallyanisotropic body formed through polymerization of a polymerizable liquidcrystal composition that contains a polymerizable liquid crystalcompound with a specific structure in the intended amount is used in theretardation layer, which prevents a reduction in the voltage holdingratio (VHR) of the liquid crystal layer and an increase in ion density(ID) and eliminates generation of defective display such as white spots,uneven alignment, and image-sticking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the liquid crystal display device ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   (1) Polarization layer    -   (2) Adhesive layer    -   (3) Light-transmitting substrate    -   (4) Color filter layer    -   (5) Planarization layer    -   (6) Alignment film for retardation layer    -   (7) Retardation layer 1 using a specific polymerizable liquid        crystal composition    -   (8) Alignment film for retardation layer    -   (9) Retardation layer 2 using a specific polymerizable liquid        crystal composition    -   (10) Alignment film    -   (11) Specific liquid crystal composition    -   (12) Alignment film    -   (13) Transparent electrode layer    -   (14) Pixel electrode layer    -   (15) Light-transmitting substrate    -   (16) Adhesive layer    -   (17) Polarization layer    -   (18) Backlight    -   (19) Retardation layer of stretched film    -   (20) Insulating layer

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the liquid crystal display device ofthe present invention. The liquid crystal display device includes apolarizing plate consisting of a polarization layer (1), an adhesivelayer (2), and a light-transmitting substrate (3); a color filter layer(4); and a planarization layer (5). The liquid crystal display devicefurther includes an alignment film for a retardation layer (6), analignment film (10), a first retardation layer (7) using a specificpolymerizable composition, an alignment film for a retardation layer(8), and a second retardation layer (9) using a specific polymerizablecomposition, the layers (7) to (9) being interposed between theretardation layer (6) and the alignment film (10). A specific liquidcrystal composition (11) is disposed between the alignment film (10) andan alignment film (12).

The liquid crystal display device further includes a transparentelectrode layer (13), which serves as a common electrode, and a pixelelectrode layer (14), each being disposed between the alignment film(12) and a light-transmitting substrate (15). The light-transmittingsubstrate (15) disposed on a backlight (18) side is provided with anadhesive layer (16) and a polarization layer (17) as well.

In the display device, the two substrates are attached to each otherwith a sealant and sealing material placed at the peripheries thereof,and particulate spacers or columnar spacers formed of resin byphotolithography are disposed between the substrates to maintain thedistance therebetween in many cases. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of aliquid crystal display device in which the retardation layer (9) using aspecific polymerizable liquid crystal composition is not used and inwhich a retardation layer (19) of a stretched film is disposed outsidethe light-transmitting substrate (15).

(Liquid Crystal Layer)

The liquid crystal layer in the present invention contains a liquidcrystal composition containing at least one compound represented byGeneral Formula (I) and at least one compound selected from the groupconsisting of compounds represented by General Formulae (II-a) to(II-f).

(in the formula, R³¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10carbon atoms; M³¹ to M³³ each independently represent atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, at least one—CH₂— in the trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group is optionally substitutedwith —O— such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other,and at least one hydrogen atom in the phenylene group is optionallysubstituted with a fluorine atom; X³¹ and X³² each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; Z³¹ represents a fluorineatom, a trifluoromethoxy group, or a trifluoromethyl group; K³¹represents —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —CF₂O—, or —OCF₂—; n³¹ and n³² eachindependently represent 0, 1, or 2, and n³¹+n³² is 0, 1, or 2; and inthe case where M³¹ and M³³ are multiple, corresponding ones of them maybe the same as or different from each other)

(in the formulae, R¹⁹ to R³⁰ each independently represent an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; and X²¹represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom)

In General Formula (I), in the case where the ring structure bonded toR³¹ is a phenyl group (aromatic), R³¹ is preferably a linear alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 (ormore) carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms; inthe case where the ring structure bonded to R³¹ is a saturated ring suchas cyclohexane, pyran, or dioxane, R³¹ is preferably a linear alkylgroup having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4(or more) carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbonatoms. In view of good chemical stability to heat and light, R³¹ ispreferably an alkyl group. In order to produce a liquid crystal displaydevice in which the viscosity is small and which quickly responds, R³¹is preferably an alkenyl group. In order to give small viscosity andhigh nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature (Tni) and to makeresponse speed faster, it is preferred that an alkenyl group of whichthe end group is not an unsaturated bond be employed, and it isespecially preferred that a methyl group exist adjacent to an alkenylgroup to serve as the end group. In order to give good solubility at lowtemperature, an approach in which R³¹ is an alkoxy group is preferred,and another approach in which different R³¹'s are present in combinationis also preferred. For example, compounds in which R³¹'s are alkylgroups or alkenyl groups having 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms are preferablyused in combination; compounds in which R³¹'s have 3 or 5 carbon atomsare also preferably used in combination; and compounds in which R³¹'shave 3, 4, or 5 carbon atoms are also preferably used in combination.

M³¹ to M³³ are preferably any of the following rings.

M³¹ is preferably any of the following rings.

M³¹ is more preferably any of the following rings.

M³² is preferably any of the following rings.

M³² is more preferably any of the following rings.

M³² is further preferably any of the following rings.

M³³ is preferably any of the following rings.

M³³ is more preferably any of the following rings.

M³³ is further preferably any of the following rings.

It is preferred that at least any one of X³¹ and X³² be a fluorine atom,and it is more preferred that both of them be fluorine atoms.

Z³¹ is preferably a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethoxy group. X³¹, X³²,and Z³¹ are as follows in an embodiment: X³¹═F, X³²═F, and Z³¹═F. Inanother embodiment, X³¹, X³², and Z³¹ are as follows: X³¹═F, X³²═H, andZ³¹═F. In another embodiment, X³¹, X³², and Z³¹ are as follows: X³¹═F,X³²═H, and Z³¹═OCF³. In another embodiment, X³¹, X³², and Z³¹ are asfollows: X³¹═F, X³²═F, and Z³¹═OCF³. In another embodiment, X³¹, X³²,and Z³¹ are as follows: X³¹═H, X³²═H, and Z³¹═OCF³.

n³¹ is preferably 1 or 2; n³² is preferably 0 or 1, and more 0. n³¹+n³²preferably is preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 2.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (I) is 1%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%,25%, or 30% relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystalcomposition used in the liquid crystal layer in the present invention.The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%,15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (I) is preferably a compoundselected from the group consisting of compounds represented by GeneralFormula (M-1).

(in the formula, R^(M11) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbonatoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X^(M11) to X^(M15) each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and Y^(M11) represents afluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃)

Such compounds can be used in any combination; a combination of thecompounds is determined on the basis of predetermined properties such assolubility at low temperature, transition temperature, electricreliability, and birefringence. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, for example, one of such compounds is used. Furthermore, twoof the compounds are used in another embodiment, and three or more ofthe compounds are used in another embodiment.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-1) is 1%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%,25%, or 30% relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystalcomposition used in the liquid crystal layer in the present invention.The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%,15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a Tni kept at ahigh level to have a high temperature stability, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In order to increase dielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltageat a low level, it is preferred that the above-mentioned lower limit behigh and that the upper limit be high.

In particular, the compound represented by General Formula (M-1) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-1.1) to (M-1.4),more preferably any of the compounds represented by Formulae (M-1.1) and(M-1.2), and further preferably the compound represented by Formula(M-1.2). Combined use of the compounds represented by Formulae (M-1.1)and (M-1.2) is also preferred.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-1.1) is 1%, 2%, 5%, or 6% relative to the amount of the wholeliquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 15%, 13%,10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-1.2) is 1%, 2%, 5%, or 6% relative to the amount of the wholeliquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 25%,23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, or 8% relative thereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of a combination of thecompounds represented by Formulae (M-1.1) and (M-1.2) is 1%, 2%, 5%, or6% relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition usedin the liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount thereof is 30%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%,or 8% relative thereto.

Furthermore, the compound represented by General Formula (I) is, forexample, preferably a compound selected from the group consisting ofcompounds represented by General Formula (M-2).

(in the formula, R^(M21) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbonatoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X^(M21) and X^(M22) each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and Y^(M21) represents afluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-2) is 1%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%,25%, or 30% relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystalcomposition used in the liquid crystal layer in the present invention.The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%,15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a Tni kept at ahigh level to serve for a reduction in image-sticking, it is preferredthat the above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit below. In order to increase dielectric anisotropy for keeping drivingvoltage at a low level, it is preferred that the above-mentioned lowerlimit be high and that the upper limit be high.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-2) is preferably any ofcompounds represented by Formulae (M-2.1) to (M-2.5), and alsopreferably the compound represented by Formula (M-2.3) and/or thecompound represented by Formula (M-2.5).

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-2.2) is 1%, 2%, 5%, or 6% relative to the amount of the wholeliquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 15%, 13%,10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-2.3) is 1%, 2%, 5%, or 6% relative to the amount of the wholeliquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 25%,23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, or 8% relative thereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-2.5) is 1%, 2%, 5%, or 6% relative to the amount of the wholeliquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 25%,23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, or 8% relative thereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of a combination of thecompounds represented by Formulae (M-2.2), (M-2.3) and (M-2.5) is 1%,2%, 5%, or 6% relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystalcomposition used in the liquid crystal layer in the present invention.The upper limit of the preferred amount thereof is 30%, 25%, 23%, 20%,18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, or 8% relative thereto.

The amount is preferably not less than 1%, more preferably not less than5%, further preferably not less than 8%, further preferably not lessthan 10%, further preferably not less than 14%, and especiallypreferably not less than 16% relative to the amount of the whole liquidcrystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in the presentinvention. In view of solubility at low temperature, transitiontemperature, electric reliability, and another property, the contentpercentage is preferably adjusted to be up to 30%, more preferably up to25%, further preferably up to 22%, and especially preferably less than20%.

The compound represented by General Formula (I) is preferably any ofcompounds represented by General Formula (M-3).

(in the formula, R^(M31) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbonatoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X^(M31) to X^(M36) each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and Y^(M31) represents afluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃)

Such compounds can be used in any combination; in view of solubility atlow temperature, transition temperature, electric reliability,birefringence, and another property, the compounds are preferably usedalone or in combination.

The upper limit and lower limit of the amount of the compoundrepresented by General Formula (M-3) are determined for an embodiment inview of properties such as solubility at low temperature, transitiontemperature, electric reliability, and birefringence.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-3) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relativethereto.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-3) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-3.1) to (M-3.4);in particular, the compound represented by Formulae (M-3.1) and/or thecompound represented by Formulae (M-3.2) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-3.1) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relativethereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-3.2) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relativethereto.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of a combination of thecompounds represented by Formulae (M-3.1) and (M-3.2) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%,8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of the wholeliquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 20%, 18%,15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (I) is preferably a compoundselected from the group consisting of compounds represented by GeneralFormula (M-4).

(in the formula, R^(M41) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbonatoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X^(M41) to X^(M48) each independentlyrepresent a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; and Y^(M41) represents afluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃)

Such compounds can be used in any combination; in view of solubility atlow temperature, transition temperature, electric reliability,birefringence, and another property, the compounds are preferably usedalone, or two or three or more thereof are used in combination.

The upper limit and lower limit of the amount of the compoundrepresented by General Formula (M-4) are determined for an embodiment inview of properties such as solubility at low temperature, transitiontemperature, electric reliability, and birefringence.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byFormula (M-4) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relativeto the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit of the preferredamount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5%relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition of the liquid crystallayer in the present invention is used in a liquid crystal displaydevice having a small cell gap, the appropriate amount of the compoundrepresented by General Formula (M-4) is at a higher level. In the casewhere the liquid crystal composition is used in a liquid crystal displaydevice which is driven at a small driving voltage, the appropriateamount of the compound represented by General Formula (M-4) is at ahigher level. In the case where the liquid crystal composition is usedin a liquid crystal display device which is used in a low-temperatureenvironment, the appropriate amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-4) is at a lower level. In the case where the liquidcrystal composition is used in a liquid crystal display device whichquickly responds, the appropriate amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-4) is at a lower level.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-4) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-4.1) to (M-4.4);in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-4.2) to (M-4.4)are preferably used, and the compound represented by Formula (M-4.2) ismore preferably used.

It is also preferred that the compound represented by General Formula(I) have the following part in its structure.

(in the formula, the black points each represent a carbon atom in thering structure to which such a part has been linked)

The compound having such a part in its structure is preferably any ofcompounds represented by General Formulae (M-10) to (M-18).

The compound represented by General Formula (M-10) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M101) and X^(M102) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M101) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; R^(M101) represents an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and W^(M101) and W^(M102) eachindependently represent —CH₂— or —O—)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-10) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-10) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-10.1) to(M-10.12); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-10.5)to (M-10.12) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-11) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M111) to X^(M114) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M111) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; and R^(M111) represents an alkyl group having 1to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-11) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-11) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-11.1) to(M-11.8); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-11.1)to (M-11.4) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-12) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M121) and X^(M122) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M121) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; R^(M121) represents an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and W^(M121) and W^(M122) eachindependently represent —CH₂— or —O—)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-12) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-12) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-12.1) to(M-12.12); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-12.5)to (M-12.8) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-13) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M131) to X^(M134) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M131) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; R^(M131) represents an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and W^(M131) and W^(M132) eachindependently represent —CH₂— or —O—)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-13) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-13) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-13.1) to(M-13.28); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-13.1)to (M-13.4), (M-13.11) to (M-13.14), and (M-13.25) to (M-13.28) arepreferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-14) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M141) to X^(M144) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M141) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; R^(M141) represents an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and W^(M141) and W^(M142) eachindependently represent —CH₂— or —O—)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-14) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-14) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-14.1) to(M-14.8); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-14.5)to (M-14.8) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-15) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M151) and X^(M152) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M151) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; R^(M151) represents an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and W^(M151) and W^(M152) eachindependently represent —CH₂— or —O—)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-15) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-15) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-15.1) to(M-15.14); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-15.5)to (M-15.8) and (M-15.11) to (M-15.14) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-16) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M161) to X^(M164) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M161) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; and R^(M161) represents an alkyl group having 1to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-16) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-16), whichis used in the liquid crystal composition of the liquid crystal layer inthe present invention, is preferably any of compounds represented byFormulae (M-16.1) to (M-16.8); in particular, the compounds representedby Formulae (M-16.1) to (M-16.4) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-17) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M171) to X^(M174) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M171) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; R^(M171) represents an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and W^(M171) and W^(M172) eachindependently represent —CH₂— or —O—)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-17) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-17) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-17.1) to(M-17.52); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-17.9)to (M-17.12), (M-17.21) to (M-17.28), and (M-17.45) to (M-17.48) arepreferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

The compound represented by General Formula (M-18) is as follows.

(in the formula, X^(M181) to X^(M186) each independently represent afluorine atom or a hydrogen atom; Y^(M181) represents a fluorine atom, achlorine atom, or —OCF₃; and R^(M181) represents an alkyl group having 1to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms)

The lower limit of the preferred amount of the compound represented byGeneral Formula (M-18) is 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20%relative to the amount of the whole liquid crystal composition used inthe liquid crystal layer in the present invention. The upper limit ofthe preferred amount is 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%,or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the liquid crystal composition used in the liquidcrystal layer in the present invention needs to have a viscosity kept ata low level to contribute to a high response speed, it is preferred thatthe above-mentioned lower limit be low and that the upper limit be low.In the case where the liquid crystal composition needs to serve for areduction in image-sticking, it is preferred that the above-mentionedlower limit be low and that the upper limit be low. In order to increasedielectric anisotropy for keeping driving voltage at a low level, it ispreferred that the above-mentioned lower limit be high and that theupper limit be high.

Specifically, the compound represented by General Formula (M-18) ispreferably any of compounds represented by Formulae (M-18.1) to(M-18.12); in particular, the compounds represented by Formulae (M-18.5)to (M-18.8) are preferably used.

The lower limit of the preferred amount of these compounds is 1%, 2%,4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, or 20% relative to the amount of thewhole liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention. The upper limit of the preferred amount is 30%, 28%,25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%, 8%, or 5% relative thereto.

In the case where the ring structures bonded to R¹⁹ to R³⁰ in GeneralFormulae (IIa) to (IIf) are phenyl groups (aromatics), R¹⁹ to R³⁰ areeach preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, alinear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 (or more) carbon atoms, or an alkenylgroup having 4 or 5 carbon atoms; in the case where the ring structuresbonded to R¹⁹ to R³⁰ are saturated rings such as cyclohexane, pyran, anddioxane, R¹⁹ to R³⁰ are each preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 (or more) carbonatoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

In view of good chemical stability to heat and light, R¹⁹ to R³⁰ areeach preferably an alkyl group. In order to produce a liquid crystaldisplay device in which the viscosity is small and which quicklyresponds, R¹⁹ to R³⁰ are each preferably an alkenyl group. In order togive small viscosity and high nematic-isotropic phase transitiontemperature (Tni) and to make response speed faster, it is preferredthat an alkenyl group of which the end group is not an unsaturated bondbe employed, and it is especially preferred that a methyl group existadjacent to an alkenyl group to serve as the end group. In order to givegood solubility at low temperature, an approach in which R¹⁹ to R³⁰ areeach an alkoxy group is preferred, and another approach in whichdifferent R¹⁹'s to R³⁰'s are present in combination is also preferred.For example, compounds in which R¹⁹'s to R³⁰'s are alkyl groups oralkenyl groups having 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms are preferably used incombination; compounds in which R¹⁹'s to R³⁰'s have 3 or 5 carbon atomsare also preferably used in combination; and compounds in which R¹⁹'s toR³⁰'s have 3, 4, or 5 carbon atoms are also preferably used incombination.

R¹⁹ and R²⁰ are each preferably an alkyl group or an alkoxy group, andit is preferred that at least any one of them be an alkoxy group. It ismore preferred that R¹⁹ be an alkyl group and that R²⁰ be an alkoxygroup. It is further preferred that R¹⁹ be an alkyl group having 3 to 5carbon atoms and that R²⁰ be an alkoxy group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms.

R²¹ and R²² are each preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, andit is preferred that at least any one of them be an alkenyl group. Thecase where both of them are alkenyl groups is suitable for anenhancement in response speed; however, it is unsuitable for animprovement in the chemical stability in the liquid crystal displaydevice.

At least any one of R²³ and R²⁴ is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms. In order to give a goodbalance between a response speed and Tni, it is preferred that at leastany one of R²³ and R²⁴ be an alkenyl group; in order to give a goodbalance between a response speed and solubility at low temperature, itis preferred that at least any one of R²³ and R²⁴ be an alkoxy group.

At least any one of R²⁵ and R²⁶ is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. In order to give a goodbalance between a response speed and Tni, it is preferred that at leastany one of R²⁵ and R²⁶ be an alkenyl group; in order to give a goodbalance between a response speed and solubility at low temperature, itis preferred that at least any one of R²⁵ and R²⁶ be an alkoxy group. Itis more preferred that R²⁵ be an alkenyl group and that R²⁶ be an alkylgroup. It is also preferred that R²⁵ be an alkyl group and that R²⁶ bean alkoxy group.

At least any one of R²⁷ and R²⁸ is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. In order to give a goodbalance between a response speed and Tni, it is preferred that at leastany one of R²⁷ and R²⁸ be an alkenyl group; in order to give a goodbalance between a response speed and solubility at low temperature, itis preferred that at least any one of R²⁷ and R²⁸ be an alkoxy group. Itis more preferred that R²⁷ be an alkyl group or an alkenyl group andthat R²⁸ be an alkyl group. It is also preferred that R²⁷ be an alkylgroup and that R²⁸ be an alkoxy group. It is especially preferred thatR²⁷ be an alkyl group and that R²⁸ be an alkyl group. X²¹ is preferablya fluorine atom.

At least any one of R²⁹ and R³⁰ is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms. In orderto give a good balance between a response speed and Tni, it is preferredthat at least any one of R²⁹ and R³⁰ be an alkenyl group; in order togive good reliability, it is preferred that at least any one of R²⁹ andR³⁰ be an alkyl group. It is more preferred that R²⁹ be an alkyl groupor an alkenyl group and that R³⁰ be an alkyl group or an alkenyl group.It is also preferred that R²⁹ be an alkyl group and that R³⁰ be analkenyl group. It is also preferred that R²⁹ be an alkyl group and thatR³⁰ be an alkyl group.

One to ten of compounds represented by General Formulae (II-a) to (II-f)are preferably used, and one to eight thereof are especially preferablyused. The amount thereof is preferably in the range of 5 to 80 mass %,more preferably 10 to 70 mass %, and especially preferably 20 to 60 mass%.

The liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention can further contain at least one compound selectedfrom the group consisting of compounds represented by General Formulae(III-a) to (III-f).

(in the formulae, R⁴¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbonatoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10carbon atoms; X⁴¹ to X⁴⁸ each independently represent a hydrogen atom ora fluorine atom; and Z⁴¹ represents a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethoxygroup, or a trifluoromethyl group)

In each of General Formulae (IIIa) to (IIIf), in the case where the ringstructure bonded to R⁴¹ is a phenyl group (aromatic), R⁴¹ is preferablya linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 (or more) carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5carbon atoms; in the case where the ring structure bonded to R⁴¹ is asaturated ring such as cyclohexane, pyran, or dioxane, R⁴¹ is preferablya linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 (or more) carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2to 5 carbon atoms.

In view of good chemical stability to heat and light, R⁴¹ is preferablyan alkyl group. In order to produce a liquid crystal display device inwhich the viscosity is small and which quickly responds, R⁴¹ ispreferably an alkenyl group. In order to give small viscosity and highnematic-isotropic phase transition temperature (Tni) and to makeresponse speed faster, it is preferred that an alkenyl group of whichthe end group is not an unsaturated bond be employed, and it isespecially preferred that a methyl group exist adjacent to an alkenylgroup to serve as the end group. In order to give good solubility at lowtemperature, an approach in which R⁴¹ is an alkoxy group is preferred,and another approach in which different R⁴¹'s are present in combinationis also preferred. For example, compounds in which R⁴¹'s are alkylgroups or alkenyl groups having 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms are preferablyused in combination; compounds in which R⁴¹'s have 3 or 5 carbon atomsare also preferably used in combination; and compounds in which R⁴¹'shave 3, 4, or 5 carbon atoms are also preferably used in combination.

It is preferred that at least any one of X⁴¹ and X⁴² be a fluorine atom,and it is more preferred that both of them be fluorine atoms.

Z⁴¹ is preferably a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethoxy group.

In an embodiment, X⁴¹, X⁴², and Z⁴¹ are as follows: X⁴¹═F, X⁴²═F, andZ⁴¹═F. In another embodiment, X⁴¹, X⁴², and Z⁴¹ are as follows: X⁴¹═F,X⁴²═H, and Z⁴¹═F. In another embodiment, X⁴¹, X⁴², and Z⁴¹ are asfollows: X⁴¹═F, X⁴²═H, and Z⁴¹═OCF3. In another embodiment, X⁴¹, X⁴²,and Z⁴¹ are as follows: X⁴¹═F, X⁴²═F, and Z⁴¹═OCF3. In anotherembodiment, X⁴¹, X⁴², and Z⁴¹ are as follows: X⁴¹═H, X⁴²═H, andZ⁴¹═OCF3.

At least any one of X⁴³ and X⁴⁴ is preferably a fluorine atom. In orderto give a large Δ∈, it is preferred that both of them be fluorine atoms;in order to give good solubility at low temperature, it is not preferredthat both of them be fluorine atoms.

It is preferred that at least any one of X⁴⁵ and X⁴⁶ be a hydrogen atom,and it is also preferred that both of them be hydrogen atoms. An excessof fluorine atoms is not preferred in terms of Tni, solubility at lowtemperature, and the chemical stability of the compound in the liquidcrystal display device.

It is preferred that at least any one of X⁴⁷ and X⁴⁸ be a hydrogen atom,and it is also preferred that both of them be hydrogen atoms. The casewhere at least any one of X⁴⁷ and X⁴⁸ is a fluorine atom is notpreferred in terms of Tni, solubility at low temperature, and thechemical stability of the compound in the liquid crystal display device.

One to ten compounds are preferably selected from the group consistingof compounds represented by General Formulae (III-a) to (III-f), and oneto eight compounds are more preferably selected. The amount thereof ispreferably in the range of 5 to 50 mass %, and more preferably 10 to 40mass %.

The liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in theliquid crystal display device of the present invention preferably has Δ∈of not less than +1.5 at 25° C. For high response speed, the Δ∈ ispreferably in the range of +1.5 to +4.0, and more preferably +1.5 to+3.0. For driving at low voltage, the Δ∈ is preferably in the range of+8.0 to +18.0, and more preferably +10.0 to +15.0. The liquid crystalcomposition preferably has Δn ranging from 0.08 to 0.14, and morepreferably from 0.09 to 0.13 at 25° C. In particular, the Δn ispreferably from 0.10 to 0.13 for a thin cell gap and preferably from0.08 to 0.10 for a thick cell gap. The liquid crystal compositionpreferably has T ranging from 5 to 45 mPa·s, more preferably 5 to 25mPa·s, and especially preferably 10 to 20 mPa·s at 20° C. The liquidcrystal composition preferably has T_(ni) ranging from 60° C. to 120°C., more preferably 70° C. to 100° C., and especially preferably 70° C.to 85° C.

The liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in thepresent invention may contain, for example, general nematic liquidcrystal, smectic liquid crystal, and cholesteric liquid crystal inaddition to the above-mentioned compounds.

The liquid crystal composition used in the liquid crystal layer in theliquid crystal display device of the present invention can contain atleast one polymerizable compound for production of a liquid crystaldisplay device of a PS mode, a PSA mode involving use of a horizontalelectric field, or a PSVA mode involving use of a horizontal electricfield. Examples of a usable polymerizable compound includephotopolymerizable monomers which are polymerized by being irradiatedwith energy rays such as light; in particular, examples of thepolymerizable compound include polymerizable compounds having astructure with a liquid crystal molecular framework in which multiplesix-membered rings are bonded to each other, such as biphenylderivatives and terphenyl derivatives. Specifically, the polymerizablecompound is preferably a difunctional monomer represented by GeneralFormula (V).

(in the formula, X⁵¹ and X⁵² each independently represent a hydrogenatom or a methyl group; Sp¹ and Sp² each independently represent asingle bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or —O—(CH₂)_(s)— (where s represents an integer from 2 to 7, and the oxygenatom is bonded to an aromatic ring); Z⁵¹ represents —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—,—COO—, —OCO—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CH═CH—COO—,—CH═CH—OCO—, —COO—CH═CH—, —OCO—CH═CH—, —COO—CH₂CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—OCO—, —COO—CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂—, —CH₂—COO—, —CH₂—OCO—,—CY¹═CY²— (where Y¹ and Y² each independently represent a fluorine atomor a hydrogen atom), —C≡C—, or a single bond; and

M⁵¹ represents a 1,4-phenylene group, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group,or a single bond, and in each 1,4-phenylene group in the formula, anyhydrogen atom is optionally substituted with a fluorine atom)

Diacrylate derivatives in which X⁵¹ and X⁵² each represent a hydrogenatom and dimethacrylate derivatives in which X⁵¹ and X⁵² are each amethyl group are preferred, and compounds in which one of X⁵¹ and X⁵²represents a hydrogen atom and in which the other one thereof representsa methyl group are also preferred. Among these compounds, the rate ofpolymerization is the highest in diacrylate derivatives and the lowestin dimethacrylate derivatives, and the rate of polymerization ofunsymmetrical compounds is intermediate therebetween. Hence, anappropriate compound can be employed on the basis of the intendedapplication. In PSA display devices, dimethacrylate derivatives areespecially preferred.

Sp¹ and Sp² each independently represent a single bond, an alkylenegroup having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or —O— (CH₂)_(s)—; in an applicationto PSA display devices, at least one of Sp¹ and Sp² is preferably asingle bond, and compounds in which Sp¹ and Sp² each represent a singlebond and compounds in which one of Sp¹ and Sp² is a single bond and inwhich the other one thereof represents an alkylene group having 1 to 8carbon atoms or —O—(CH₂)_(s)— are preferred. In this case, an alkylgroup having 1 to 4 is preferably employed, and s preferably ranges from1 to 4.

Z⁵¹ is preferably —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—,—CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, or a single bond; more preferably —COO—, —OCO—, or asingle bond; and especially preferably a single bond.

M⁵¹ represents a 1,4-phenylene group of which any hydrogen atom isoptionally substituted with a fluorine atom, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylenegroup, or a single bond; and a 1,4-phenylene group and a single bond arepreferred. In the case where C does not represent a single bond butrepresents a ring structure, Z⁵¹ preferably represents a linking groupas well as a single bond; in the case where M⁵¹ represents a singlebond, Z⁵¹ is preferably a single bond.

From these viewpoints, a preferred ring structure between Sp¹ and Sp² inGeneral Formula (V) is particularly as follows.

In General Formula (V), in the case where M⁵¹ represents a single bondand where the ring structure consists of two rings, the ring structureis preferably represented by any of Formulae (Va-1) to (Va-5), morepreferably Formulae (Va-1) to (Va-3), and especially preferably Formula(Va-1).

(in the formulae, the two ends of each structure are bonded to Sp¹ andSp², respectively)

Polymerizable compounds having such skeletons enable uneven display tobe reduced or eliminated in PSA liquid crystal display devices becausesuch polymerizable compounds have optimum alignment regulating forceafter being polymerized and thus produce a good alignment state.

Accordingly, the polymerizable compound is especially preferably any ofcompounds represented by General Formulae (V-1) to (V-4), and mostpreferably the compound represented by General Formula (V-2).

(in the formulae, Sp² represents an alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbonatoms)

In the case where the polymerizable compound is added to the liquidcrystal composition used in the present invention, polymerization iscarried out even without a polymerization initiator; however, apolymerization initiator may be used to promote the polymerization.Examples of the polymerization initiator include benzoin ethers,benzophenones, acetophenones, benzyl ketals, and acyl phosphine oxides.

In the liquid crystal composition containing the polymerizable compound,the polymerizable compound is polymerized by being irradiated withultraviolet, so that liquid crystal molecules can be aligned; thus, sucha liquid crystal composition is used in liquid crystal display devicesin which the birefringence of the liquid crystal composition is utilizedfor control of the amount of light that is to be transmitted. Such aliquid crystal composition is useful for liquid crystal display devices,such as an AM-LCD (active-matrix liquid crystal display device), a TN(nematic liquid crystal display device), an STN-LCD (super twistednematic liquid crystal display device), an OCB-LCD, and an IPS-LCD(in-plane switching liquid crystal display device), particularly usefulfor an AM-LCD, and can be used in transmissive or reflective liquidcrystal display devices.

(Retardation Layer)

(Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound)

In the retardation layer in the liquid crystal display device of thepresent invention, an optically anisotropic body produced throughpolymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition thatcontains 25 weight % or more of a liquid crystal compound having two ormore polymerizable functional groups.

The liquid crystal compound having polymerizable functional groups(polymerizable liquid crystal compound) has liquid crystal propertieswhen it is used in combination with another liquid crystal compound in acomposition. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound alone does notneed to have liquid crystal properties.

Examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound include rod-likepolymerizable liquid crystal compounds each having a polymerizablefunctional group, such as a vinyl group, an acryl group, or a(meth)acryl group, and a rigid part called mesogen in which multiplestructures such as 1,4-phenylene group and a 1,4-cyclohexylene group areboded to each other, which are disclosed in Handbook of Liquid Crystals(D. Demus, J. W. Goodby, G. W. Gray, H. W. Spiess, V. Vill, Eds.;Wiley-VCH: 1998); Ekisho no Kagaku. Kikan kagaku sosetsu No. 22. (TheChemical Society of Japan: 1994); and Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication Nos. 7-294735, 8-3111, 8-29618, 11-80090,11-116538, and 11-148079, and rod-like polymerizable liquid crystalcompounds each having a maleimide group, which are disclosed in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004-2373 and 2004-99446.In particular, the rod-like liquid crystal compound having apolymerizable group is preferred because it can be easily produced so asto have a liquid crystal temperature within a range including a lowtemperature close to room temperature.

The optically anisotropic body has a mesogenic group or mesogenicsupporting group in its structure. The mesogenic group or mesogenicsupporting group is preferably represented by General Formula (AA).[Chem. 56]—Z0-(A1-Z1)_(n)-(A2-Z2)_(l)-(A3-Z3)_(k)-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-  (AA)

(in the formula, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 each independently represent a1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylgroup, a tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, atetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group,a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, apyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, athiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diylgroup, a 2,6-naphthylene group, a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 1,4-naphthylenegroup, a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group, abenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or afluorene-2,7-diyl group and

may have, as a substituent, at least one selected from F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃,a CN group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 1 to 8 carbonatoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, an alkenoyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and an alkenoyloxygroup having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 eachindependently represent —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CH═CH—,—C≡C—, —CH═CHCOO—, —OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂COO—, —CH₂CH₂OCO—, —COOCH₂CH₂—,—OCOCH₂CH₂—, —CONH—, —NHCO—, an alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atomsand optionally a halogen atom, or a single bond; and

n, l, and k each independently represent 0 or 1 and satisfy therelationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention contains at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound, apolymerization initiator, and optionally a surfactant and anotheradditive.

In particular, the liquid crystal compound having two or morepolymerizable functional groups is preferably any of compoundsrepresented by General Formula (1).[Chem. 57]P¹(Sp¹)_(m1)-MG-R¹  (1)

In the formula, P¹ represents a polymerizable functional group; Sp¹represents an alkylene group having 0 to 18 carbon atoms; (the alkylenegroup is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom, CNgroup, or alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and a polymerizablefunctional group; one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoiningeach other in the alkylene group are each independently optionallyreplaced with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—,—SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded toeach other); m1 represents 0 or 1; MG represents a mesogenic group or amesogenic supporting group; R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogenatom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; thealkyl group is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom orCN; one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other inthe alkyl group are each independently optionally replaced with —O—,—S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C—such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other;alternatively, R¹ is represented by General Formula (1-a)[Chem. 58]-(Sp^(1a))_(ma)-P^(1a)  (1-a)

(in the formula, P^(1a) represents a polymerizable functional group,Sp^(1a) has the same meaning as Sp¹, and ma represents 0 or 1); and

MG is a mesogenic group or mesogenic supporting group represented byGeneral Formula (1-b)[Chem. 59]—Z0-(A1-Z1)_(n)-(A2-Z2)_(l)-(A3-Z3)_(k)-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-  (1-b)

(in the formula, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 each independently represent a1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylgroup, a tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, atetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group,a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, apyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, athiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diylgroup, a 2,6-naphthylene group, a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 1,4-naphthylenegroup, a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group, abenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or afluorene-2,7-diyl group and

may have, as a substituent, at least one selected from F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃,a CN group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 1 to 8 carbonatoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, an alkenoyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and an alkenoyloxygroup having 2 to 8 carbon atoms or at least one substituent representedby General Formula (1-c)

(in the formula, P^(c) represents a polymerizable functional group; Arepresents —O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CH₂CH₂OCO—, —COOCH₂CH₂—,—OCOCH₂CH₂—, or a single bond; Sp^(1c) has the same meaning as Sp¹; n1represents 0 or 1; and mc represents 0 or 1); Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5each independently represent —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂—. —CH₂O—,—CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —CH═CHCOO—, —OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂COO—, —CH₂CH₂OCO—,—COOCH₂CH₂—, —OCOCH₂CH₂—, —CONH—, —NHCO—, an alkyl group having 2 to 10carbon atoms and optionally a halogen atom, or a single bond; and

n, l, and k each independently represent 0 or 1 and satisfy therelationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3) In the formula, two or more polymerizablefunctional groups are present.

P¹, P^(1a), and P^(c) each preferably represent a substituent selectedfrom polymerizable groups represented by Formulae (P-1) to (P-20).

Of these polymerizable functional groups, the groups represented byFormula (P-1) and Formulae (P-2), (P-7), (P-12), and (P-13) arepreferred in order to improve polymerizability and storage stability;and the groups represented by Formulae (P-1), (P-7), and (P-12) are morepreferred.

At least one liquid crystal compound having two or more polymerizablefunctional groups can be used; one to six compounds are preferably used,and two to five compounds are more preferably used.

The amount of the liquid crystal compound having two or morepolymerizable functional groups is preferably in the range of 25 to 100mass %, more preferably 30 to 100 mass %, and especially preferably 35to 100 mass % in the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

The liquid crystal compound having two or more polymerizable functionalgroups is preferably a compound having two polymerizable functionalgroups, and preferably any of compounds represented by General Formula(2).[Chem. 62]P^(2a)-(Sp^(2a))_(m2)-Z0-(A1-Z1)_(n)-(A2-Z2)_(l)-(A3-Z3)_(k)-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(2b))_(n2)-P^(2b)  (2)

In the formula, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 each independently represent a1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylgroup, a tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, atetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group,a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, apyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, athiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diylgroup, a 2,6-naphthylene group, a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 1,4-naphthylenegroup, a benzo[1,2-b:4, 5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group, abenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or afluorene-2,7-diyl group and

may have, as a substituent, at least one selected from F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃,a CN group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 1 to 8 carbonatoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, an alkenoyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and an alkenoyloxygroup having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 eachindependently represent —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CH═CH—,—C≡C—, —CH═CHCOO—, —OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂COO—, —CH₂CH₂OCO—, —COOCH₂CH₂—,—OCOCH₂CH₂—, —CONH—, —NHCO—, an alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atomsand optionally a halogen atom, or a single bond; andn, l, and k each independently represent 0 or 1 and satisfy therelationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3.

P^(2a) and P^(2b) each represent a polymerizable functional group;Sp^(2a) and Sp^(2b) each independently represent an alkylene grouphaving 0 to 18 carbon atoms (the alkylene group is optionallysubstituted with at least one halogen atom or CN; one CH₂ group or twoor more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other in the alkylene group areeach independently optionally replaced with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—,—CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such that oxygenatoms are not directly bonded to each other); and m2 and n2 eachindependently represent 0 or 1.

n, l, and k each independently represent 0 or 1 and satisfy therelationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3.

P^(2a) and P^(2b) each preferably represent a substituent selected frompolymerizable groups represented by Formulae (P-1) to (P-20).

Of these polymerizable functional groups, the groups represented byFormula (P-1) and Formulae (P-2), (P-7), (P-12), and (P-13) arepreferred in order to improve polymerizability and storage stability;and the groups represented by Formulae (P-1), (P-7), and (P-12) are morepreferred.

Examples of General Formula (2) include, but are not limited to, GeneralFormulae (2-1) to (2-4).[Chem. 64]P^(2a)-(Sp^(2a))_(m2)-Z0-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(2b))_(n2)-P^(2b)  (2-1)P^(2a)-(Sp^(2a))_(m2)-Z0-A3-Z3-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(2b))_(n2)-P^(2b)  (2-2)P^(2a)-(Sp^(2a))_(m2)-Z0-A2-Z2-A3-Z3-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(2b))_(n2)-P^(2b)  (2-3)P^(2a)-(Sp^(2a))_(m2)-Z0-A1-Z1-A2-Z2-A3-Z3-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(2b))_(n2)-P^(2b)  (2-4))

In the formulae, P^(2a), P^(2b), Sp^(2a), Sp^(2b), A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, m2, and n2 have the same definitions as those inGeneral Formula (2).

Specific examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound havingtwo polymerizable functional groups include, but are not limited to,compounds represented by Formulae (2-5) to (2-29).

In the formulae, m and n each independently represent an integer from 1to 18; R's each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkylgroup having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbonatoms, or a cyano group; in the case where R's are each an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbonatoms, each of them may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or morehalogen atoms.

At least one liquid crystal compound having two polymerizable functionalgroups can be used; one to five compounds are preferably used, and twoto five compounds are more preferably used.

The amount of the liquid crystal compound having two polymerizablefunctional groups is preferably in the range of 25 to 100 mass %, morepreferably 30 to 100 mass %, and especially preferably 35 to 100 mass %in the polymerizable composition.

The liquid crystal compound having two or more polymerizable functionalgroups is also preferably a compound having three polymerizablefunctional groups. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to,compounds represented by General Formulae (3-1) to (3-18).

In the formula, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 have the same definitions asthose in General Formula (2). Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 have the samedefinitions as those in General Formula (2).

P^(3a), P^(3b), and P^(3b) each independently represent a polymerizablefunctional group; Sp^(3a), Sp^(3b), and Sp^(3c) each independentlyrepresent an alkylene group having 0 to 18 carbon atoms (the alkylenegroup is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom or CN;and one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other inthe alkylene group are each independently optionally replaced with —O—,—S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C—such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other); and m3,n3, and k3 each independently represent 0 or 1.

Specific examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound havingtwo polymerizable functional groups include, but are not limited to,compounds represented by Formulae (3-19) to (3-26).

At least one liquid crystal compound having three polymerizablefunctional group can be used; one to four compounds are preferably used,and one to three compounds are more preferably used.

The amount of the liquid crystal compound having three polymerizablefunctional groups is preferably in the range of 0 to 80 mass %, morepreferably 0 to 70 mass %, and especially preferably 0 to 60 mass % inthe polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention may further contain a liquid crystal compound having onepolymerizable functional group.

In particular, the liquid crystal compound having one polymerizablefunctional group is preferably any of compounds represented by GeneralFormula (4).[Chem. 75]P⁴-(Sp⁴)_(m4)-MG-R⁴  (4)

In the formula, P⁴ represents a polymerizable functional group; Sp⁴represents an alkylene group having 0 to 18 carbon atoms (the alkylenegroup is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom or CN;and one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other inthe alkylene group are each independently optionally replaced with —O—,—S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C—such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other); m4represents 0 or 1; MG represents a mesogenic group or a mesogenicsupporting group;

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or analkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; the alkyl group is optionallysubstituted with at least one halogen atom or CN; one CH₂ group or twoor more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other in the alkyl group are eachindependently optionally replaced with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—,—COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms arenot directly bonded to each other.

P⁴ preferably represents a substituent selected from polymerizablegroups represented by Formulae (P-1) to (P-20).

Of these polymerizable functional groups, the groups represented byFormula (P-1) and Formulae (P-2), (P-7), (P-12), and (P-13) arepreferred in order to improve polymerizability and storage stability;and the groups represented by Formulae (P-1), (P-7), and (P-12) are morepreferred.

An example of the mesogenic group or mesogenic supporting grouprepresented by MG is a group represented by General Formula (4-b).[Chem. 77]—Z0-(A1-Z1)_(n4)-(A2-Z2)_(k4)-(A3-Z3)_(l4)-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-  (4-b)

In General Formula (4-b), A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 each independentlyrepresent a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a1,4-cyclohexenyl group, a tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, a tetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, apyrazine-2,5-diyl group, a thiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 2,6-naphthylene group, aphenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group,a 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,4-naphthylene group, a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group,a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or afluorene-2,7-diyl group and may have, as a substituent, at least oneselected from F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃, a CN group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoylgroup having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 8carbon atoms, and an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; Z0, Z1,Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 each independently represent —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—,—OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —CH═CHCOO—, —OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂COO—,—CH₂CH₂OCO—, —COOCH₂CH₂—, —OCOCH₂CH₂—, —CONH—, —NHCO—, an alkyl grouphaving 2 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally a halogen atom, or a singlebond; and

n, l, and k each independently represent 0 or 1 and satisfy therelationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3.

Examples of General Formula (4) include, but are not limited to, GeneralFormulae (4-1) to (4-4).[Chem. 78]P^(4a)-(Sp^(4a))_(m4)-Z0-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(4b))_(n4)-R⁴  (4-1)P^(4a)-(Sp^(4a))_(m4)-Z0-A3-Z3-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(4b))^(n4)-R⁴  (4-2)P^(4a)-(Sp^(4a))_(m4)-Z0-A2-Z2-A3-Z3-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(4b))_(n4)-R⁴  (4-3)P^(4a)-(Sp^(4a))_(m4)-Z0-A1-Z1-A2-Z2-A3-Z3-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(4b))_(n4)-R⁴  (4-4)

In the formula, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 have the same definitions asthose in General Formula (4-b). Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 have the samedefinitions as those in General Formula (4-b).

P^(4a) and P^(4b) each independently represent a polymerizablefunctional group; Sp^(4a) and Sp^(4b) each independently represent analkylene group having 0 to 18 carbon atoms (the alkylene group isoptionally substituted with at least one halogen atom or CN; and one CH₂group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other in the alkylenegroup are each independently optionally replaced with —O—, —S—, —NH—,—N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such thatoxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other); and m4 and n4 eachindependently represent 0 or 1.

Examples of the compound represented by General Formula (4) include, butare not limited to, compounds represented by Formulae (4-5) to (4-41).

In the formulae, m and n each independently represent an integer from 1to 18; R, R₁, and R₂ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, analkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6carbon atoms, carboxyl group, or a cyano group; in the case where R, R₁,and R₂ are each an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an alkoxygroup having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, each of them may be unsubstituted orsubstituted with one or more halogen atoms.

At least one liquid crystal compound having one polymerizable functionalgroup can be used; one to five compounds are preferably used, and one tofour compounds are more preferably used.

The amount of the liquid crystal compound having one polymerizablefunctional group is preferably not less than 0 mass %, more preferablynot less than 10 mass %, and especially preferably not less than 20 mass% in the polymerizable liquid crystal composition; it is also preferablynot more than 75 mass %, more preferably not more than 70 mass %, andespecially preferably not more than 65 mass %.

(Organic Solvent)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention may contain an organic solvent and be used in the form of asolution of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition. An organicsolvent to be used is not particularly limited but preferably an organicsolvent that dissolves polymerizable liquid crystal compounds well andthat can be dried at not more than 100° C. Examples of such a solventinclude aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, cumene, andmesitylene; ester solvents such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propylacetate, and butyl acetate; ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone,methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and cyclopentanone; ethersolvents such as tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and anisole;amide solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone;and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycolmonomethyl ether acetate, γ-butyrolactone, and chlorobenzene. These maybe used alone or in combination; at least any one of ketone solvents,ether solvents, ester solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents ispreferably used in terms of solution stability.

Since the polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention is applied by general techniques, the amount of an organicsolvent to be used is not particularly limited provided that the stateof the coating is not significantly impaired; the total amount oforganic solvents contained in the solution of the polymerizable liquidcrystal composition is preferably in the range of 1 to 60 mass %, morepreferably 3 to 55 mass %, and especially preferably 5 to 50 mass %.

In order to uniformly dissolve the polymerizable liquid crystal compoundin the organic solvent, stirring under heating is preferably carriedout. The temperature in the stirring under heating may be appropriatelyadjusted on the basis of the solubility of a polymerizable liquidcrystal compound, which is to be used, in the organic solvent; in termsof productivity, the temperature is preferably from 15° C. to 110° C.,more preferably 15° C. to 105° C., further preferably 15° C. to 100° C.,and especially preferably 20° C. to 90° C.

In a process for preparing the polymerizable liquid crystal composition,agitation and mixing is preferably performed with a dispersing agitator.Specific examples of a usable dispersing agitator include a disper; adisperser having an agitating blade, such as a propeller or a turbineblade; a paint shaker; a planetary stirring machine; a shakingapparatus; a stirrer; a shaker; and a rotary evaporator. An ultrasonicradiation apparatus can be also used.

It is preferred that the rotational speed for the agitation in theprocess for preparing the solution of the polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition be properly adjusted on the basis of the type of an agitatorto be used. The rotational speed for the agitation is preferably from 10rpm to 1000 rpm, more preferably 50 rpm to 800 rpm, and especiallypreferably 150 rpm to 600 rpm in order to produce a uniform solution ofpolymerizable liquid crystal composition.

(Polymerization Inhibitor)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention preferably contains a polymerization inhibitor in order toenhance the solution stability of the polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition. Examples of the polymerization inhibitor include phenoliccompounds, quinone compounds, amine compounds, thioether compounds, andnitroso compounds.

Examples of the phenolic compounds include p-methoxyphenol, cresol,t-butyl catechol, 3.5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene,2.2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol),2.2′-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-t-butylphenol),4.4′-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 4-methoxy-1-naphthol, and4,4′-dialkoxy-2,2′-bi-1-naphthol.

Examples of the quinone compounds include hydroquinone,methylhydroquinone, tert-butyl hydroquinone, p-benzoquinone,methyl-p-benzoquinone, tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone,2,5-diphenylbenzoquinone, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone,1,4-naphthoquinone, 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone, anthraquinone, anddiphenoquinone.

Examples of the amine compounds include p-phenylenediamine,4-aminodiphenylamine, N.N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-i-propyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1.3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N.N′-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine,N-phenyl-O-naphthylamine, 4.4′-dicumyl-diphenylamine, and4.4′-dioctyl-diphenylamine.

Examples of the thioether compounds include phenothiazine and distearylthiodipropionate.

Examples of the nitroso compounds include N-nitrosodiphenylamine,N-nitrosophenylnaphthylamine, N-nitrosodinaphthylamine, p-nitrosophenol,nitrosobenzene, p-nitrosodiphenylamine, α-nitroso-β-naphthol,N,N-dimethyl p-nitrosoaniline, p-nitrosodiphenylamine,p-nitrondimethylamine, p-nitron-N,N-diethylamine, N-nitrosoethanolamine,N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine, N-nitroso-N-n-butyl-4-butanolamine,N-nitroso-diisopropanolamine, N-nitroso-N-ethyl-4-butanolamine,5-nitroso-8-hydroxyquinoline, N-nitrosomorpholine,N-nitroso-N-phenylhydroxylamine ammonium salts, nitrosobenzene,2,4.6-tri-tert-butylnitronbenzene, N-nitroso-N-methyl-p-toluenesulfonamide, N-nitroso-N-ethylurethane, N-nitroso-N-n-propylurethane,1-nitroso-2-naphthol, 2-nitroso-1-naphthol, sodium1-nitroso-2-naphthol-3,6-sulfonate, sodium2-nitroso-1-naphthol-4-sulfonate, 2-nitroso-S-methylaminophenolhydrochloride, and 2-nitroso-S-methylaminophenol hydrochloride.

The amount of the polymerization inhibitor is preferably in the range of0.01 to 1.0 mass %, and more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mass % relative tothe polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

(Antioxidant)

In order to enhance the solution stability of the polymerizable liquidcrystal composition used in the present invention, an antioxidant oranother material is preferably used. Examples of such a compound includehydroquinone derivatives, nitrosamine polymerization inhibitors, andhindered phenol antioxidants. Specific examples thereof includetert-butylhydroquinone; methylhydroquinone; “Q-1300” and “Q-1301”manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.; and “IRGANOX 1010”,“IRGANOX 1035”, “IRGANOX 1076”, “IRGANOX 1098”, “IRGANOX 1135”, “IRGANOX1330”, “IRGANOX 1425”, “IRGANOX 1520”, “IRGANOX 1726”, “IRGANOX 245”,“IRGANOX 259”, “IRGANOX 3114”, “IRGANOX 3790”, “IRGANOX 5057”, and“IRGANOX 565” manufactured by BASF SE.

The amount of the antioxidant is preferably from 0.01 to 2.0 mass %, andmore preferably 0.05 to 1.0 mass % relative to the polymerizable liquidcrystal composition.

(Photopolymerization Initiator)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator. At leastone photopolymerization initiator is preferably used. Specific Examplesthereof include “Irgacure 651”, “Irgacure 184”, “Darocur 1173”,“Irgacure 907”, “Irgacure 127”, “Irgacure 369”, “Irgacure 379”,“Irgacure 819”, “Irgacure 2959”, “Irgacure 1800”, “Irgacure 250”,“Irgacure 754”, “Irgacure 784”, “Irgacure OXE01”, “Irgacure OXE02”,“Lucirin TPO”, “Darocur 1173”, and “Darocur MBF” manufactured by BASFSE; “Esacure 1001M”, “Esacure KIP150”, “SpeedCure BEM”, “SpeedCure BMS”,“SpeedCure MBP”, “SpeedCure PBZ”, “SpeedCure ITX”, “SpeedCure DETX”,“SpeedCure EBD”, “SpeedCure MBB”, and “SpeedCure BP” manufactured byLambson Limited; “KAYACURE DMBI” manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co.,Ltd.; “TAZ-A” manufactured by Nihon SiberHegner K.K. (current DKSH JapanK.K); “ADEKA OPTOMER SP-152”, “ADEKA OPTOMER SP-170”, “ADEKA OPTOMERN-1414”, “ADEKA OPTOMER N-1606”, “ADEKA OPTOMER N-1717”, and “ADEKAOPTOMER N-1919” manufactured by ADEKA CORPORATION; “CYRACURE UVI-6990”,“CYRACURE UVI-6974”, and “CYRACURE UVI-6992” manufactured by UnionCarbide Corporation; “ADEKA OPTOMER SP-150, SP-152, SP-170, and SP-172”manufactured by Asahi Denka Co., Ltd.; “PHOTOINITIATOR 2074”manufactured by Rhodia S.A.; “Irgacure 250” manufactured by BASF SE;“UV-9380C” manufactured by GE silicones; and “DTS-102” manufactured byMidori Kagaku Co., Ltd.

The amount of the photopolymerization initiator to be used is preferablyin the range of 0.1 to 10 mass %, and especially preferably 0.5 to 5mass % relative to the polymerizable liquid crystal composition. Thephotopolymerization initiators may be used alone or in combination, anda sensitizer or another material may be additionally used.

(Thermal Polymerization Initiator)

Any known thermal polymerization initiator can be used in thermalpolymerization. Examples thereof include organic peroxides such asmethyl acetoacetate peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, benzoyl peroxide,bis(4-t-butylcyclohexyl)peroxy dicarbonate, t-butyl peroxybenzoate,methyl ethyl ketone peroxide,1,1-bis(t-hexylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, p-pentahydroperoxide,t-butyl hydroperoxide, dicumyl peroxide, isobutyl peroxide,di(3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl)peroxy dicarbonate, and1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane; azonitrile compounds such as2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile and 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethyl valeronitrile;azoamidine compounds such as2,2′-azobis(2-methyl-N-phenylpropione-amidine)dihydrochloride; azoamidecompounds such as2,2′-azobis{2-methyl-N-[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]propioneamide};and alkylazo compounds such as 2,2′-azobis(2,4,4-trimethylpentane). Theamount of the thermal polymerization initiator is preferably in therange of 0.1 to 10 mass %, and especially preferably 1 to 6 mass %.These thermal polymerization initiators may be used alone or incombination.

(Surfactant)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention may contain at least one surfactant in order to reduceunevenness in the thickness of an optically anisotropic body formedthereof. Examples of usable surfactants include alkyl carboxylates,alkyl phosphates, alkyl sulfonates, fluoroalkyl carboxylates,fluoroalkyl phosphates, fluoroalkyl sulfonates, polyoxyethylenederivatives, fluoroalkyl ethylene oxide derivatives, polyethylene glycolderivatives, alkylammonium salts, and fluoroalkylammonium salts. Inparticular, fluorine-containing surfactants are preferred.

Specific examples thereof include “MEGAFAC F-114”, “MEGAFAC F-251”,“MEGAFAC F-281”, “MEGAFAC F-410”, “MEGAFAC F-430”, “MEGAFAC F-444”,“MEGAFAC F-472SF”, “MEGAFAC F-477”, “MEGAFAC F-510”, “MEGAFAC F-511”,“MEGAFAC F-552”, “MEGAFAC F-553”, “MEGAFAC F-554”, “MEGAFAC F-555”,“MEGAFAC F-556”, “MEGAFAC F-557”, “MEGAFAC F-558”, “MEGAFAC F-559”,“MEGAFAC F-560”, “MEGAFAC F-561”, “MEGAFAC F-562”, “MEGAFAC F-563”,“MEGAFAC F-565”, “MEGAFAC F-567”, “MEGAFAC F-568”, “MEGAFAC F-569”,“MEGAFAC F-570”, “MEGAFAC F-571”, “MEGAFAC R-40”, “MEGAFAC R-41”,“MEGAFAC R-43”, “MEGAFAC R-94”, “MEGAFAC RS-72-K”, “MEGAFAC RS-75”,“MEGAFAC RS-76-E”, “MEGAFAC RS-76-NS”, “MEGAFAC RS-90”, “MEGAFAC EXP.TF-1367”, “MEGAFAC EXP. TF1437”, “MEGAFAC EXP. TF1537”, and “MEGAFACEXP. TF-2066” (each manufactured by DIC Corporation);

“Ftergent 100”, “Ftergent 100C”, “Ftergent 110”, “Ftergent 150”,“Ftergent 150CH”, “Ftergent 100A-K”, “Ftergent 300”, “Ftergent 310”,“Ftergent 320”, “Ftergent 400SW”, “Ftergent 251”, “Ftergent 215M”,“Ftergent 212M”, “Ftergent 215M”, “Ftergent 250”, “Ftergent 222F”,“Ftergent 212D”, “FTX-218”, “Ftergent 209F”, “Ftergent 245F”, “Ftergent208G”, “Ftergent 240G”, “Ftergent 212P”, “Ftergent 220P”, “Ftergent228P”, “DFX-18”, “Ftergent 601AD”, “Ftergent 602A”, “Ftergent 650A”,“Ftergent 750FM”, “FTX-730FM”, “Ftergent 730FL”, “Ftergent 710FS”,“Ftergent 710FM”, “Ftergent 710FL”, “Ftergent 750LL”, “FTX-730LS”, and“Ftergent 730LM” (each manufactured by NEOS COMPANY LIMITED);“BYK-300”, “BYK-302”, “BYK-306”, “BYK-307”, “BYK-310”, “BYK-315”,“BYK-320”, “BYK-322”, “BYK-323”, “BYK-325”, “BYK-330”, “BYK-331”,“BYK-333”, “BYK-337”, “BYK-340”, “BYK-344”, “BYK-370”, “BYK-375”,“BYK-377”, “BYK-350”, “BYK-352”, “BYK-354”, “BYK-355”, “BYK-356”,“BYK-358N”, “BYK-361N”, “BYK-357”, “BYK-390”, “BYK-392”, “BYK-UV3500”,“BYK-UV3510”, “BYK-UV3570”, and “BYK-Silclean3700” (each manufactured byBYK Japan KK);“TEGO Rad2100”, “TEGO Rad2011”, “TEGO Rad2200N”, “TEGO Rad2250”, “TEGORad2300”, “TEGO Rad2500”, “TEGO Rad2600”, “TEGO Rad2650”, “TEGORad2700”, “TEGO Flow300”, “TEGO Flow370”, “TEGO Flow425”, “TEGO FlowATF2”, “TEGO Flow ZFS460”, “TEGO Glide100”, “TEGO Glide110”, “TEGOGlide130”, “TEGO Glide410”, “TEGO Glide411”, “TEGO Glide415”, “TEGOGlide432”, “TEGO Glide440”, “TEGO Glide450”, “TEGO Glide482”, “TEGOGlide A115”, “TEGO Glide B1484”, “TEGO Glide ZG400”, “TEGO Twin4000”,“TEGO Twin4100”, “TEGO Twin4200”, “TEGO Wet240”, “TEGO Wet250”, “TEGOWet260”, “TEGO Wet265”, “TEGO Wet270”, “TEGO Wet280”, “TEGO Wet500”,“TEGO Wet505”, “TEGO Wet510”, “TEGO Wet520”, and “TEGO Wet KL245” (eachmanufactured by Evonik Industries AG); “FC-4430” and “FC-4432” (eachmanufactured by 3M Japan Limited); “UNIDYNE NS” (manufactured by DAIKININDUSTRIES, LTD); SURFLON S-241″, “SURFLON S-242”, “SURFLON S-243”,“SURFLON S-420”, “SURFLON S-611”, “SURFLON S-651”, and “SURFLON S-386”(each manufactured by AGC SEIMI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.); “DISPARLONOX-880EF”, “DISPARLON OX-881”, “DISPARLON OX-883”, “DISPARLON OX-77EF”,“DISPARLON OX-710”, “DISPARLON 1922”, “DISPARLON 1927”, “DISPARLON1958”, “DISPARLON P-410EF”, “DISPARLON P-420”, “DISPARLON P-425”,“DISPARLON PD-7”, “DISPARLON 1970”, “DISPARLON 230”, “DISPARLONLF-1980”, “DISPARLON LF-1982”, “DISPARLON LF-1983”, “DISPARLON LF-1084”,“DISPARLON LF-1985”, “DISPARLON LHP-90”, “DISPARLON LHP-91”, “DISPARLONLHP-95”, “DISPARLON LHP-96”, “DISPARLON OX-715”, “DISPARLON 1930N”,“DISPARLON 1931”, “DISPARLON 1933”, “DISPARLON 1934”, “DISPARLON1711EF”, “DISPARLON 1751N”, “DISPARLON 1761”, “DISPARLON LS-009”,“DISPARLON LS-001”, and “DISPARLON LS-050” (each manufactured byKusumoto Chemicals, Ltd.); “PF-151N”, “PF-636”, “PF-6320”, “PF-656”,“PF-6520”, “PF-652-NF”, and “PF-3320” (each manufactured by OMNOVASOLUTIONS); “POLYFLOW No. 7”, “POLYFLOW No. 50E”, “POLYFLOW No. 50EHF”,“POLYFLOW No. 54N”, “POLYFLOW No. 75”, “POLYFLOW No. 77”, “POLYFLOW No.85”, “POLYFLOW No. 85HF”, “POLYFLOW No. 90”, “POLYFLOW No. 90D-50”,“POLYFLOW No. 95”, “POLYFLOW No. 99C”, “POLYFLOW KL-400K”, “POLYFLOWKL-400HF”, “POLYFLOW KL-401”, “POLYFLOW KL-402”, “POLYFLOW KL-403”,“POLYFLOW KL-404”, “POLYFLOW KL-100”, “POLYFLOW LE-604”, “POLYFLOWKL-700”, “FLOWLEN AC-300”, “FLOWLEN AC-303”, “FLOWLEN AC-324”, “FLOWLENAC-326F”, “FLOWLEN AC-530”, “FLOWLEN AC-903”, “FLOWLEN AC-903HF”,“FLOWLEN AC-1160”, “FLOWLEN AC-1190”, “FLOWLEN AC-2000”, “FLOWLENAC-2300C”, “FLOWLEN AO-82”, “FLOWLEN AO-98”, and “FLOWLEN AO-108” (eachmanufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.); and “L-7001”, “L-7002”,“8032 ADDITIVE”, “57 ADDTIVE”, “L-7064”, “FZ-2110”, “FZ-2105”, “67ADDTIVE”, and “8616 ADDTIVE” (each manufactured by Dow Corning TorayCo., Ltd.).

The amount of the surfactant is preferably from 0.01 to 2 mass %, andmore preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mass % relative to the polymerizable liquidcrystal composition.

Use of the above-mentioned surfactant may enable an opticallyanisotropic body formed of the polymerizable liquid crystal compositionused in the present invention to have an effectively reduced tilt angleat the air interface in some cases.

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention may contain, in addition to the above-mentioned surfactants, acompound having a weight average molecular weight of not less than 100and a repeating unit represented by General Formula (5); using such acompound also enables an optically anisotropic body formed of thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition to have an effectively reducedtilt angle at the air interface.[Chem. 84]

CR¹¹R¹²—CR¹³R¹⁴⬆  (5)

In the formula, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, and R¹⁴ each independently represent ahydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20carbon atoms; in the hydrocarbon group, a hydrogen atom is optionallysubstituted with at least one halogen atom.

Examples of a preferred compound represented by General Formula (5)include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, paraffin, liquidparaffin, chlorinated polypropylene, chlorinated paraffin, andchlorinated liquid paraffin.

The compound represented by General Formula (5) is preferably added inthe process for preparing a polymerizable solution, in which thepolymerizable compound is mixed with the organic solvent and in whichthe mixture is stirred under heating; however, the compound may be addedin the subsequent process for mixing the photopolymerization initiatorwith the polymerizable solution or in both of these processes.

The amount of the compound represented by General Formula (5) ispreferably in the range of 0.01 to 1 mass %, and more preferably 0.05 to0.5 mass % relative to the solution of the polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition.

The solution of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in thepresent invention also preferably contains a chain-transfer agent inorder to further enhance the adhesiveness of an optically anisotropicbody formed thereof to a substrate. The chain-transfer agent ispreferably a thiol compound; more preferably a monothiol compound, adithiol compound, a trithiol compound, and a tetrathiol compound; andfurther preferably a trithiol compound. Specifically, compoundsrepresented by General Formulae (6-1) to (6-12) are preferred.

In the formulae, R⁶⁵ represents an alkyl group having 2 to 18 carbonatoms; the alkyl group may be linear or branched; at least one methylenegroup in the alkyl group is optionally substituted with an oxygen atom,a sulfur atom, —CO—, —OCO—, —COO—, or —CH═CH— provided that oxygen atomsor sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other; R⁶⁶ represents analkylene group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and at least one methylenegroup in the alkylene group is optionally substituted with an oxygenatom, a sulfur atom, —CO—, —OCO—, —COO—, or —CH═CH— provided that oxygenatoms or sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

The chain-transfer agent is preferably added in the process forpreparing a polymerizable solution, in which the polymerizable liquidcrystal compound is mixed with the organic solvent and in which themixture is stirred under heating; however, the compound may be added inthe subsequent process for mixing the polymerization initiator with thepolymerizable solution or in both of these processes.

The amount of the chain-transfer agent is preferably in the range of 0.5to 10 mass %, and more preferably 1.0 to 5.0 mass % relative to thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition.

In order to adjust physical properties, a polymerizable compound havingno liquid crystallinity or another material can be optionally used aswell.

The term “polymerizable compound having no liquid crystallinity” refersto, for example, a reactive monomer that can be polymerized throughphotopolymerization or thermal polymerization. In particular, forexample, it refers to a monomer that does not have a rod-like molecularstructure that gives liquid crystallinity (a molecular structure inwhich an alkyl group, a cyano group, or fluorine has been bonded to theterminal of, for instance, a biphenyl group or biphenyl cyclohexylgroup). Specific examples thereof include, but are not limited to,monomers each having a polymerizable group, such as an acryloyl group, amethacryloyl group, a vinyl group, an epoxy group, a fumarate group, ora cinnamoyl group, in its molecular structure. The polymerizablecompound having no liquid crystallinity is preferably a monomer having astructure of which an acrylate group that serves as a polymerizablegroup is present at the terminal.

Specific examples of a usable monomer having a structure in which anacrylate group that serves as a polymerizable group is present include,but are not limited to, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acrylate, 2-hexyl acrylate,butoxyethyl acrylate, isostearyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate,phenoxyethyl acrylate, 2-2-ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate, diethylene glycol2-ethylhexyl ether acrylate, polyethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate,1,6-hexane diol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, ethoxylatedbisphenol diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, tricyclodecanedimethanol diacrylate, epichlorohydrin-modified glycerol triacrylate,ethylene oxide-modified glycerol triacrylate, propylene oxide-modifiedglycerol triacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, ethyleneoxide-modified phosphoric triacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate,caprolactone-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, ethyleneoxide-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, propylene oxide-modifiedtrimethylolpropane triacrylate, ethoxylated isocyanurate triacrylate,ε-caprolactone-modified tris-(2-acryloxyethyl)isocyanurate,dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, caprolactone-modified dipentaerythritolhexaacrylate, dipentaerythritol hydroxypenta acrylate, alkyl-modifieddipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate,alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol triacrylate, ditrimethylolpropanetetraacrylate, pentaerythritol ethoxytetraacrylate, and pentaerythritoltetraacrylate. The polymerizable compound having no liquid crystallinityis preferably added in the process for preparing a polymerizablesolution, in which the polymerizable compound is mixed with the organicsolvent and in which the mixture is stirred under heating; however, anon-polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be added in the subsequentprocess for mixing the polymerization initiator with the polymerizablesolution or in both of these processes. The amount of such a compound ispreferably not more than 20 mass %, more preferably not more than 10mass %, and further preferably not more than 5 mass % relative to thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition.

A non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be optionally used aswell as the polymerizable compound having no liquid crystallinity.

The polymerizable mixture or polymerizable composition used in thepresent invention may contain other additives such as a thixotropicagent, an ultraviolet absorber, an infrared absorber, an antioxidant,and a surface treatment agent on the basis of the intended use to suchan extent that the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not greatlyimpaired.

(Optically Anisotropic Body)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention is applied to a substrate having an alignment function, theliquid crystal molecules of the polymerizable liquid crystal compositionused in the present invention are uniformly aligned in a state in whicha smectic phase and a nematic phase are maintained, and thenpolymerization is carried out to produce an optically anisotropic bodyused in the present invention.

Any retardation layer is used in the present invention provided that itenables an improvement in view angle dependency attributed to thebirefringence properties of the liquid crystal molecules, and a varietyof alignment modes can be employed. Alignment modes such as a positive Aplate, a negative A plate, a positive C plate, a negative C plate, abiaxial plate, a positive O plate, and a negative O plate can be, forexample, employed. In particular, use of a positive A plate, a positiveC plate, and/or a biaxial plate is preferred. Use of a positive A plateand/or a positive C plate or use of a biaxial plate is more preferred,and a laminate of a positive A plate and positive C plate is especiallypreferred.

The term “positive A plate” refers to an optically anisotropic bodyproduced through polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition of which the ordinary refractive index of the indexellipsoid is smaller than the extraordinary refractive index thereof andin which the main axis (c axis) exhibiting the extraordinary refractiveindex is homogeneously aligned with respect to the substrate; the c axisof the mesogenic group or mesogenic supporting group is in homogeneousalignment. In another embodiment, the positive A plate is a stretchedfilm having in-plane uniaxial properties brought about by beingstretched. A stretched film formed by stretching a transparent resinhaving a positive intrinsic birefringence, such as a cyclic olefin resinor a modified polycarbonate resin, in specific conditions may be used.The term “positive C plate” refers to an optically anisotropic bodyproduced through polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition of which the index ellipsoid is in the above-mentioned stateof refractive indexes and which is in homeotropic alignment, and the caxis of the mesogenic group or mesogenic supporting group is inhomeotropic alignment. The term “negative A plate” refers to anoptically anisotropic body produced through polymerization of apolymerizable liquid crystal composition of which the ordinaryrefractive index of the index ellipsoid is larger than the extraordinaryrefractive index thereof and in which the c axis is homogeneouslyaligned with respect to the substrate; the c axis of the mesogenic groupor mesogenic supporting group is in homogeneous alignment. The term“negative C plate” refers to an optically anisotropic body producedthrough polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition ofwhich the index ellipsoid is in the above-mentioned state of refractiveindexes and which is in homeotropic alignment, and the c axis of themesogenic group or mesogenic supporting group is in homeotropicalignment.

The term “biaxial plate” refers to an optically anisotropic bodyproduced through polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition subjected to molecular alignment, in which the threeprinciple refractive indexes of the index ellipsoid of the opticallyanisotropic body are all different from each other. It has a variety ofspecific embodiments but refers to a retardation layer in which thealignment state of the mesogenic group or mesogenic supporting group inthe polymerizable liquid crystal composition is biaxial.

The term “positive O plate” refers to an optically anisotropic bodyproduced through polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition of which the ordinary refractive index of the indexellipsoid is smaller than the extraordinary refractive index thereof andwhich is in a state in which the tilt angle of the c axis thereof to asubstrate changes in the direction from the substrate interface to theair interface. In particular, it refers to a retardation layer in whichthe tilt angle of the c axis of the mesogenic group or mesogenicsupporting group successively changes from the substrate interface tothe air interface. The term “negative O plate” refers to an opticallyanisotropic body produced through polymerization of a polymerizableliquid crystal composition of which the ordinary refractive index of theindex ellipsoid is larger than the extraordinary refractive indexthereof and which is in a state in which the tilt angle of the c axisthereof to a substrate changes in the direction from the substrateinterface to the air interface. In particular, it refers to aretardation layer in which the tilt angle of the c axis of the mesogenicgroup or mesogenic supporting group changes from the substrate interfaceto the air interface.

In a liquid crystal cell that is an embodiment of the present invention,a positive A plate is preferably used as the first retardation layer. Inthe positive A plate, assuming that the refractive index of theretardation layer in the direction of the in-plane slow axis is nx, thatthe refractive index of the retardation layer in the direction of thein-plane fast axis is ny, and that the refractive index of theretardation layer in the direction of the thickness thereof is nz, therelationship “nx>ny=nz” is given. The positive A plate preferably has anin-plane retardation value ranging from 10 to 300 nm at a wavelength of550 nm. The retardation value thereof in the thickness direction is notparticularly limited. The Nz coefficient is preferably in the range of0.9 to 1.1.

A positive C plate having a positive refractive index anisotropy ispreferably used as the second retardation layer. The positive C layermay be disposed on a positive A plate.

In the retardation layer of the positive C plate, assuming that therefractive index of the retardation layer in the in-plane direction isnx and ny and that the refractive index of the retardation layer in thedirection of the thickness thereof is nz, the relationship “nx=ny<nz” isgiven. The positive C plate preferably has a retardation value rangingfrom 10 to 300 nm in the thickness direction. The positive C plate maybe used as the first retardation layer, and the positive A plate may beused as the second retardation layer. It is also preferred that theretardation layer be a biaxial plate having refractive index anisotropyin which three principle refractive indexes are all different from eachother.

In the retardation layer of the biaxial plate, assuming that therefractive index of the retardation layer in the direction of thein-plane slow axis is nx, that the refractive index of the retardationlayer in the direction of the in-plane fast axis is ny, and that therefractive index of the retardation layer in the direction of thethickness thereof is nz, the relationship “nx>nz>ny” or “nz>nx>ny” isgiven. The biaxial plate preferably has an in-plane retardation valueranging from 10 to 300 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm. The retardationvalue thereof in the thickness direction is not particularly limited butpreferably in the range of 0 to 300 nm. The Nz coefficient is preferablyin the range of 0.1 to 1.0.

The refractive index anisotropy in the thickness direction is given by athickness-direction retardation value Rth defined by Equation (2). Inorder to calculate the thickness-direction retardation value Rth, nx,ny, and nz are determined through numerical calculation from Equations(1) and (4) to (7) with an in-plane retardation value R₀, a retardationvalue R₅₀ defined on the basis of the slow axis being an inclined axisthat has been inclined at 50°, a film thickness d, average refractiveindex n₀ of the film; and the determined nx, ny, and nz are substitutedfor Equation (2). Nz coefficient=can be obtained from Equation (3). Thesame herein holds true for the below description.R₀=(nx−ny)×d  (1)Rth=[(nx+ny)/2−nz]×d  (2)Nz coefficient=(nx−nz)/(nx−ny)  (3)R₅₀=(nx−ny′)×d/cos(φ)  (4)(nx+ny+nz)/3=n0  (5)whereφ−sin⁻¹[sin(50°/n ₀]  (6)ny′=ny×nz/[ny ²×sin²(φ)+nz ²×cos²(φ)]^(1/2)  (7)

Many of commercially available equipment for measuring retardationautomatically performs the above-mentioned calculation and automaticallydisplays the in-plane retardation value R₀, thickness-directionretardation value Rth, and another value. An example of such equipmentis RETS-100 (manufactured by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.).

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes aretardation layer disposed between a pair of substrates, and anotherretardation layer may be provided on the outside of the substrates. Anyretardation layer is used as the retardation layer disposed outside thesubstrates provided that it enables an improvement in view angledependency attributed to the birefringence properties of the liquidcrystal molecules, and a variety of alignment modes can be employed.Alignment modes such as a positive A plate, a negative A plate, apositive C plate, a negative C plate, a biaxial plate, a positive Cplate, and a negative C plate can be, for example, employed. Inparticular, use of a positive A plate, a positive C plate, and/or abiaxial plate is preferred. Use of a positive A plate and/or a positiveC plate is more preferred. The positive A plate to be used can be apolymerizable liquid crystal composition that is in homogeneousalignment or a stretched film. The positive C plate to be used can be apolymerizable liquid crystal composition that is in homeotropicalignment or a stretched film.

(Substrate)

Any substrate can be used in the optically anisotropic body in thepresent invention provided that the substrate can be used in generalliquid crystal devices, displays, optical components, and optical filmsand that the substrate has a heat resistance that allows it to endureheating for drying after application of a solution of the polymerizableliquid crystal composition used in the present invention. Examples ofsuch a substrate include glass substrates, metal substrates, ceramicsubstrates, and substrates formed of organic materials, such as plasticsubstrates. Especially in the case where the substrate is formed of anorganic material, examples of the organic material include cellulosederivatives, polyolefin, polyester, polyolefin, polycarbonate,polyacrylate, polyarylate, polyether sulphone, polyimide, polyphenylenesulfide, polyphenylene ether, nylon, and polystyrene. In particular,plastic substrates formed of polyester, polystyrene, polyolefin,cellulose derivatives, polyarylate, and polycarbonate are preferred. Thesubstrate may have a planar shape or a curved surface. Such a substratemay optionally have an electrode layer, an antireflection function, or areflection function.

The substrate may be subjected to a surface treatment in order to enablethe polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention to be applied and adhere thereto well. Examples of the surfacetreatment include an ozone treatment, a plasma treatment, a coronatreatment, and a silane coupling treatment.

(Application)

An application technique for producing the optically anisotropic body inthe present invention can be any of known techniques such as a methodinvolving use of an applicator, a bar coating method, a spin coatingmethod, a roll coating method, a direct gravure coating method, areverse gravure coating method, a flexographic coating method, an inkjet method, a die coating method, a cap coating method, a dip coatingmethod, and a slit coating method. The polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition is dried after being applied.

(Polymerization Process)

The polymerization of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition inthe present invention typically involves irradiation with light, such asultraviolet, or heating in a state in which the liquid crystal compoundcontained in the polymerizable liquid crystal composition is inhorizontal alignment, vertical alignment, hybrid alignment, orcholesteric alignment (planar alignment) with respect to the substrate.Specifically, in the polymerization involving irradiation with light,irradiation with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 390 nm or lessis preferred, and irradiation with light having a wavelength rangingfrom 250 to 370 nm is most preferred. If the ultraviolet rays having awavelength of 390 nm or less causes, for example, decomposition of thepolymerizable composition, polymerization involving irradiation withultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 390 nm or more is suitable insome cases. This light is preferably non-polarized diffused light.

(Polymerization Technique)

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention can be polymerized by irradiation with active energy rays orheating. The irradiation with active energy rays is preferred because itenables the reaction to progress at room temperature; in particular,irradiation with light such as ultraviolet is preferred because it canbe easily performed. The temperature in the irradiation procedure iscontrolled so that the polymerizable liquid crystal composition used inthe present invention can maintain a liquid crystal phase; in order toprevent the occurrence of thermal polymerization of the polymerizableliquid crystal composition, it is preferred that the temperature beadjusted to be 50° C. or less as much as possible. Liquid crystalcompositions are generally in a liquid crystal phase in the temperaturerange of C (solid phase) to N (nematic) transition temperature(hereinafter referred to as C—N transition temperature) to N—Itransition temperature in a heating process. In a cooling process,liquid crystal compositions are in a thermodynamically non-equilibriumstate; thus, they are not coagulated and maintain a state of liquidcrystal in some cases even at a temperature of C—N transitiontemperature or lower. This state is called supercooled state. In thepresent invention, a liquid crystal composition in a supercooled stateis also regarded as maintaining a liquid crystal phase. Specifically,irradiation with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 390 nm or lessis preferred, and irradiation with light having a wavelength rangingfrom 250 to 370 nm is most preferred. If the ultraviolet rays having awavelength of 390 nm or less causes, for example, decomposition of thepolymerizable composition, polymerization involving irradiation withultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 390 nm or more is suitable insome cases. The light is preferably non-polarized diffused light. Theintensity of ultraviolet radiation is preferably in the range of 0.05kW/m² to 10 kW/m², and especially preferably 0.2 kW/m² to 2 kW/m². At anintensity of less than 0.05 kW/m², the polymerization procedure takes alot of time to be completed. At an intensity of greater than 2 kW/m²,the liquid crystal molecules in the polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition are likely to undergo photolysis, and heat of polymerizationis greatly generated to increase the temperature in the polymerizationprocedure, which causes a change in the order parameter of polymerizableliquid crystal with the result that the retardation of a coating may beout of order after the polymerization.

In order to promote the polymerization reaction in the coating, thecoating cured through polymerization by radiation of active energy raysmay be thermally cured. The coating is preferably thermally cured at atemperature of not less than 200° C.

An optically anisotropic body having regions with different directionsof alignment can be produced as follows: only the intended part isirradiated with ultraviolet rays with a mask to be polymerized, thealignment state of the non-polymerized part is subsequently changed byapplication of an electric field or magnetic field or by a change intemperature, and then this non-polymerized part is polymerized.

An optically anisotropic body having regions with different directionsof alignment can be produced also as follows: the polymerizable liquidcrystal composition that has not been polymerized yet is subjected toapplication of an electric field or magnetic field or a change intemperature in advance to regulate an alignment state before only theintended part is irradiated with ultraviolet rays with a mask to bepolymerized, and then polymerization is performed in this state byirradiation with light with a mask.

The optically anisotropic body produced through polymerization of thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition in the present invention can beremoved from the substrate and used in this state or can be used withoutbeing removed from the substrate. In particular, the opticallyanisotropic body is less likely to contaminate other members andtherefore useful as a substrate on which a layer is to be formed oruseful for being attached to another substrate.

(Alignment Treatment)

The substrate may be provided with an alignment film in order to alignthe polymerizable composition used in the present invention after thesolution of the polymerizable composition is applied and dried.Alignment treatment can be, for example, a stretching treatment, arubbing treatment, a treatment with radiation of polarized ultravioletand visible light, an ion beam treatment, or oblique deposition of SiO₂on the substrate. In the case where an alignment film is used, any ofknown alignment films can be employed. Examples of such alignment filmsinclude those formed of compounds, such as polyimide, polysiloxane,polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyphenyleneether, polyarylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyether sulfone, epoxyresins, epoxyacrylate resins, acrylic resins, coumarin compounds,chalcone compounds, cinnamate compounds, fulgide compounds,anthraquinone compounds, azo compounds, and arylethene compounds. Acompound that is to be rubbed for the alignment treatment is preferablya compound of which the crystallization of the material is promoted bythe alignment treatment itself or heating after the alignment treatment.Among compounds that are to be subjected to the alignment treatmentother than the rubbing, photo-aligned materials are preferably used.

(Color Filter)

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention may include acolor filter. The color filter includes a black matrix and pixels of atleast three colors of RGB. The color filter layer may be formed by anytechnique. In an example of formation of the color filter, a coloredcomposition containing a pigment support and a color pigment dispersedin the pigment support is applied into a predetermined pattern, thepattern is cured to form a colored pixel, and this process is repeatednecessary times to form a color filter layer. The pigment contained inthe colored composition can be an organic pigment and/or an inorganicpigment. The colored composition may contain one organic or inorganicpigment and may contain several different organic pigments and/orinorganic pigments. The pigment is preferably highly chromogenic andthermally resistant, particularly resistant to thermal decomposition. Ingeneral, an organic pigment is used. Specific examples of organicpigments usable in the colored composition will now be describe on thebasis of color index numbers.

Examples of organic pigments usable in a red colored composition includered pigments such as C.I. Pigment Red 7, 14, 41, 48:2, 48:3, 48:4, 81:1,81:2, 81:3, 81:4, 146, 168, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 187, 200, 202, 208,210, 246, 254, 255, 264, 270, 272, and 279. The organic pigment used inthe red colored composition may be a mixture of a red pigment and ayellow pigment.

Examples of usable yellow pigments include C.I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 31, 32, 34, 35, 35:1, 36,36:1, 37, 37:1, 40, 42, 43, 53, 55, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 73, 74, 77, 81,83, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101, 104, 106, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114,115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 123, 126, 127, 128, 129, 138, 147, 150,151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162, 164, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170,171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 181, 182, 185, 187, 188,193, 194, 199, 198, 213, and 214.

Examples of organic pigments usable in a green colored compositioninclude green pigments such as C.I. Pigment Green 7, 10, 36, and 37. Theorganic pigment used in the green colored composition may be a mixtureof a green pigment and a yellow pigment. Examples of usable yellowpigments are the same as the above-mentioned examples given in thedescription of the red colored composition.

Examples of organic pigments usable in a blue colored compositioninclude blue pigments such as C.I. Pigment Blue 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3,15:4, 15:6, 16, 22, 60, and 64. The organic pigment used in the bluecolored composition may be a mixture of a blue pigment and a purplepigment. Examples of usable purple pigments include C.I. Pigment Violet1, 19, 23, 27, 29, 30, 32, 37, 40, 42, and 50.

Examples of usable inorganic pigments include powder of metal oxide,such as chrome yellow, zinc yellow, red iron oxide (iron (III) oxide),cadmium red, ultramarine, Prussian blue, chromic oxide green, and cobaltgreen; powder of metal sulfide; and metal powder. Inorganic pigments maybe used in combination with organic pigments in order to, for instance,balance color saturation with brightness and give good coatingproperties, sensitivity, and developability.

The colored composition may further contain a coloring material inaddition to the pigments. The colored composition may, for example,contain a dye provided that it can have a sufficient thermal resistance.In this case, the dye serves for mixing colors.

The pigment support contained in the colored composition is a resin, aprecursor thereof, and a mixture of them. Examples of the resin includethermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and photosensitive resins;and examples of the precursor thereof include polyfunctional monomersand oligomers that are cured into resins by being exposed to radiation.These can be used alone or in combination. In the case where the coloredcomposition is cured by being irradiated with light such as ultravioletrays, the colored composition may, for instance, contain aphotopolymerization initiator and optionally a sensitizer. The coloredcomposition may further contain a chain-transfer agent such as apolyfunctional thiol. The colored composition can be produced by, forinstance, finely dispersing at least one pigment and optionally theabove-mentioned photopolymerization initiator in a pigment support andan organic solvent with a disperser such as a three-roll mill, atwo-roll mill, a sand mill, a kneader, or an attritor. A coloredcomposition containing two or more pigments may be produced by preparingdispersions individually containing different pigments and mixing theprepared solutions.

In order to disperse the pigment in a pigment support and an organicsolvent, a dispersion aid such as a resin-type pigment dispersant, asurfactant, or a pigment derivative can be used. The dispersion aidenables better dispersion of the pigment and restrains the dispersedpigment from being agglomerated again. Hence, use of a coloredcomposition in which the pigment has been dispersed in a pigment supportand an organic solvent with the aid of the dispersion aid enablesproduction of a color filter with an excellent transparency.

The amount of the dispersion aid in the colored composition is, forexample, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 40 parts by weight, and morepreferably 0.1 to 30 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight ofthe pigment.

The resin-type pigment dispersant has a pigment-affinitive part that islikely to be adsorbed to the pigment and has another part that iscompatible with the pigment support. The resin-type pigment dispersantis adsorbed to the pigment to enable the stable dispersion of thepigment in the pigment support. Examples of the resin-type pigmentdispersant include oil-based dispersants, e.g., polyurethane,polycarboxylate such as polyacrylate, unsaturated polyamide,polycarboxylic acid, amine salts of polycarboxylic acid, partial aminesalts of polycarboxylic acid, ammonium polycarboxylate, alkylaminepolycarboxylate, polysiloxane, long-chain polyaminoamide phosphate andhydroxyl group-containing polycarboxylate, modified products thereof,amide produced through a reaction of poly(lower alkylene imine) withpolyester having a free carboxyl group, and salts thereof; water-solubleresins or water-soluble macromolecular compounds, e.g., acrylicacid-styrene copolymers, methacrylic acid-styrene copolymers, acrylicacid-acrylate copolymers, acrylic acid-methacrylate copolymers,methacrylic acid-acrylate copolymers, methacrylic acid-methacrylatecopolymers, styrene-maleic acid copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, andpolyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyesters; modified polyacrylates; ethyleneoxide/propylene oxide adducts; phosphates; and mixtures containing twoor more of them. Furthermore, an overcoat may be formed on the surfaceof the color filter layer to serve as a planarization layer. The colorfilter layer may be provided at any position; for example, it may bedisposed at a predetermined position such as between the electrode andthe retardation layer, between the transparent substrate and theretardation layer, and between the transparent substrate and thealignment film.

(Alignment Film)

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention may includealignment films disposed on the liquid-crystal-composition side surfacesof the first and second substrates to align the molecules of the liquidcrystal composition.

The material used for forming the alignment films can be a transparentorganic material such as polyimide, polyamide, BCB (benzocyclobutenepolymer), or polyvinyl alcohol; in particular, polyimide alignment filmsformed though imidizing of a polyamic acid synthesized from diamine suchas an aliphatic or alicyclic diamine, e.g., p-phenylenediamine and4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane; an aliphatic or alicyclic tetracarboxylicacid anhydride such as butanetetracarboxylic acid anhydride or2,3,5-tricarboxycyclopentyl acetic acid anhydride; or an aromatictetracarboxylic acid anhydride such as pyromellitic acid dianhydride arepreferred. In this case, rubbing is generally carried out to give analignment function; however, in the case where the alignment film isused as, for instance, a vertical alignment film, the alignment film canbe used without the alignment function being given.

Materials usable for forming the alignment film may be materials ofwhich the compounds contain, for instance, a chalcone, cinnamate,cinnamoyl, or azo group. Such materials may be used in combination withanother material such as polyimide or polyamide; in this case, thealignment film may be rubbed or treated by a photo-alignment technique.

In general formation of alignment films, the above-mentioned material ofthe alignment film is applied onto a substrate by, for example, spincoating to form a resin films; besides, uniaxial stretching, aLangmuir-Blodgett technique, or another technique can be employed.

The material used for forming the alignment film may be an opticallyanisotropic body (positive A plate) produced through polymerization ofthe polymerizable liquid crystal composition that is in homogeneousalignment. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of such a liquid crystaldisplay device, but the liquid crystal display device is not limitedthereto.

(Transparent Electrode)

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, thematerial used for forming a transparent electrode can be a conductivemetal oxide. Usable metal oxides are indium oxide (In₂O₃), tin oxide(SnO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (In₂O₃—SnO₂), indium zincoxide (In₂O₃—ZnO), niobium-doped titanium dioxide (Ti_(1-x)Nb_(x)O₂),fluorine-doped tin oxide, graphene nanoribbon, and metal nanowires;among these, zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (In₂O₃—SnO₂), and indiumzinc oxide (In₂O₃—ZnO) are preferred. A transparent conductive filmformed of any of such materials can be patterned by photo-etching or atechnique involving use of a mask.

The liquid crystal display device is combined with a backlight forvarious applications such as liquid crystal television sets, computermonitors, mobile phones, smartphone displays, laptops, portableinformation terminals, and digital signage. Examples of the backlightinclude cold-cathode tube backlights and virtually white backlights withtwo peak wavelengths or backlights with three peak wavelengths; in thebacklight with two or three peak wavelengths, light-emitting diodesusing inorganic materials or organic EL devices are used.

(Backlight)

The backlight may have any structure. The backlight may have a lightguide plate or may be a direct backlight. The backlight having a lightguide plate includes a light source and a light guide plate, and thedirect backlight includes a light source and a diffusion plate. Anylight source can be used in the backlight, and examples of usable lightsources include lamp bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs),electroluminescent panels (ELPs), and at least one cold cathodefluorescent lamps (CCFLs) and hot cathode fluorescent lamps (HCFLs).

Furthermore, components to enhance utilization efficiency of light canbe used in the backlight, such as reflectors and brightness enhancementfilms. In addition to these components, for example, one or more layersof a diffusion plate, a protective plate, a prism array, a lens arraysheet, and a light diffusion plate can be disposed to form a liquidcrystal display device.

(Polarization Layer)

The liquid crystal display device of the present invention may include apolarization layer. The polarization layer is a member having a functionof converting natural light into linearly polarized light. Anypolarization film having a polarizing function can be used as thepolarization layer. Examples thereof include films produced by adsorbingiodine and a dichromic colorant to a polyvinyl alcohol film andstretching the resulting film, films produced by stretching a polyvinylalcohol film and adsorbing iodine and a dichromic dye or dichromiccolorant to the stretched film, films each having a polarization layerformed by applying an aqueous solution containing a dichromic dye onto asubstrate, and wire grid polarizers.

The polyvinyl alcohol resin to be used can be a material produced bysaponification of a polyvinyl acetate resin, and examples of thepolyvinyl acetate resin include a polyvinyl acetate that is ahomopolymer of vinyl acetate and copolymers of vinyl acetate and othermonomers that are copolymerizable with vinyl acetate. Examples of suchother monomers that are copolymerizable with vinyl acetate includeunsaturated carboxylic acids, olefins, vinyl ethers, unsaturatedsulfonic acids, and acrylamides each having an ammonium group. The filmof the polyvinyl alcohol resin can be formed by any of known techniques.The unprocessed polyvinyl alcohol film has any thickness; for example,the thickness is approximately in the range of 10 to 150 μm.

In the case where iodine is used as the dichromic colorant, the film ofthe polyvinyl alcohol resin is colored generally by being immersed intoan aqueous solution containing iodine and potassium iodide. In the casewhere a dichromic dye is used as the dichromic colorant, the film of thepolyvinyl alcohol resin is colored generally by being immersed into anaqueous solution containing a water-soluble dichromic dye.

In the case of using a film having a polarization layer formed byapplying an aqueous solution containing a dichromic dye onto asubstrate, examples of the dichromic colorant to be applied include,depending on types of the substrate to be used, direct dyes,water-soluble dyes such as acid dyes, salts thereof, dispersion dyes,and water-insoluble colorants such as oil-soluble pigments. Thesecolorants are generally dissolved in water and an organic solvent, towhich a surfactant is optionally added, and then applied to a substratesubjected to rubbing or a corona treatment. Examples of the organicsolvent generally include, depending on the solvent resistance of thesubstrate, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol;cellosolves such as methyl cellosolve and ethyl cellosolve; ketones suchas acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; amides such as dimethylforma<de andN-methylpyrrolidone; and aromatic organic solvents such as benzene andtoluene. The amount of the colorant to be applied is, depending on thepolarizing properties of the colorant, generally in the range of 0.05 to1.0 g/po, and preferably 0.1 to 0.8 g/rrf. Examples of a technique forapplying a color PfJ solution to a substrate include a variety ofcoating techniques such as a coating technique involving use of a barcoater, spray coating, roll π coating, a coating technique involving useof a gravure coater.

In the case of using a wire grid polarizer, a wire grid polarizer formedof a conductive material such as Al, Cu, Ag, Cu, Ni, Cr, or Si ispreferably used.

The polarization layer may optionally further include a film that servesas a protective film. Examples of the protective film include polyolefinfilms formed of, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, and norbornenepolymers; polyethylene terephthalate films; polymethacrylate films;polyacrylate films; cellulose ester films; polyethylene naphthalatefilms; polycarbonate films; polysulfone films; polyethersulfone films;polyether ketone films; polyphenylene sulfide films; and polyphenyleneoxide films.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an in-cell polarization layerin which a polarization layer is disposed inside a liquid crystal cellmay be used. FIGS. 4 to 9 illustrate examples of such a liquid crystaldisplay device, but the liquid crystal display device is not limitedthereto.

(Adhesive Layer)

An adhesive layer may be provided in an optical member including theabove-mentioned polarization layer for the attachment to the liquidcrystal cell. The adhesive layer can be provided also to be attached tomembers other than the liquid crystal cell. An adhesive used for formingthe adhesive layer is not particularly limited; for example, appropriateone is selected from acryl polymers, silicone polymers, polyesters,polyurethanes, polyamides, polyethers, and materials containing fluorinepolymers or rubber polymers as base polymers. In particular, a materialwhich has excellent optical transparency; which exhibits appropriateadhesion characteristics such as wetting properties, agglomeratingproperties, and adhesiveness; and which is excellent in terms of weatherresistance and thermal resistance, such as an acryl adhesive, ispreferably used. In addition, an adhesive layer having a low moistureabsorptivity and excellent thermal resistance is preferred in terms ofprevention of foaming or peeling caused by the absorption of moisture,prevention of the degradation of the optical characteristics or the warpof the liquid crystal cell due to, for instance, the difference inthermal expansion, and the formability of a liquid crystal displaydevice having a high quality and excellent durability. Furthermore, fromthe viewpoint of work efficiency (re-workability) in the fixation andattachment of the polarization plate, the adhesive force of the adhesivelayer is preferably not less than 1 N/25 mm, and more preferably notless than 5 N/25 mm. Meanwhile, there is no particular limitationregarding the upper limit thereof. The adhesive layer may contain, forexample, resins of a natural substance or a synthetic substance, thatis, an adhesiveness-imparting resin; a filler or pigment made of a glassfiber, a glass bead, metal powder, or other inorganic powder; andadditives to be added to the adhesive layer, such as a colorant and anantioxidant. In addition, the adhesive layer may be, for example, anadhesive layer containing fine particles and thus exhibitinglight-diffusion properties. The adhesive layer can be also provided oneither or both of the surfaces of the polarization plate or the opticalmember in the form of multiple layer having different compositions ortypes. In the case where the adhesive layers are provided on both thesurfaces, adhesive layers having different compositions, types, andthicknesses can be individually provided on the front and back sides ofthe polarization plate or the optical member. The thickness of theadhesive layer can be appropriately determined on the basis of the usageor adhesive force and is generally in the range of 1 to 500 μm,preferably 5 to 200 μm, and especially preferably 10 to 100 μm.

(Liquid Crystal Display Device)

The liquid crystal display device is a display device in which a liquidcrystal material is confined between light-transmitting substrates suchas glass. In the liquid crystal display device, the molecular alignmentof the liquid crystal material is changed owing to electrical control bydisplay controller (not illustrated) to change the polarization state oflight emitted from the backlight and polarized by the polarization platedisposed on the back side of the liquid crystal cell, and the amount oflight that passes through the polarization plate disposed on the viewingside of the liquid crystal cell is controlled, thereby displayingimages. In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,rod-like liquid crystal molecules having a negative dielectricanisotropy are aligned. The liquid crystal cell used in the presentinvention is characterized in that it includes “in-cell retardationlayer” in which a retardation layer is disposed between a pair oflight-transmitting substrates.

In the retardation layer disposed inside the liquid crystal cell, anoptically anisotropic body produced through polymerization of thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition that is in an aligned state isused. The structure of the liquid crystal display device illustrated inFIG. 1 is merely an example, and the position of the retardation layeris not limited to the position thereof in this structure. Theretardation layer may be, for example, provided at a predeterminedposition such as between the electrode and the alignment film on theback side (See FIG. 10).

In the present invention, the ring structures, linking groups, andsubstituents in general formulae are independent in each of the generalformulae.

EXAMPLES

Although some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed in detail with reference to Examples, the present invention isnot limited to Examples. In compositions which will be described inExamples and Comparative Examples, the term “%” refers to “mass %”.

In Examples, the following properties were measured.

T_(ni): Nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (°C.)

Δn: Refractive index anisotropy at 25° C.

Δ∈: Dielectric anisotropy at 25° C.

η: Viscosity at 20° C. (mPa·s)

γ₁: Rotational viscosity at 25° C. (mPa·s)

d_(gap): Gap between first and second substrates in cell (μm)

VHR: Voltage holding ratio at 70° C. (%)

(ratio, represented by %, of a measured voltage to the initially appliedvoltage, which was obtained as follows: a liquid crystal composition wasput into a cell having a thickness of 3.5 μm, and the measurement wascarried out under the conditions of an applied voltage of 5 V, a frametime of 200 ms, and a pulse width of 64 μs)

ID: Ion density at 70° C. (pC/cm²)

(ion density obtained as follows: a liquid crystal composition was putinto a cell having a thickness of 3.5 μm, and measurement was carriedout with an MTR-1 (manufactured by TOYO Corporation) under theconditions of an applied voltage of 20 V and a frequency of 0.05 Hz)

Image-Sticking:

In evaluation of image-sticking in a liquid crystal display device, acertain fixed pattern was displayed in a display area for 1000 hours,and then an image was shown evenly on the whole of the screen. Then, thedegree of an afterimage of the fixed pattern was visually observed, andresult of the observation was evaluated on the basis of the followingfour criteria.

Excellent: No afterimage observed

Good: Slight afterimage observed, but acceptable

Bad: Afterimage observed, unacceptable

Poor: Afterimage observed, quite inadequate In Examples, compounds areabbreviated as follows.

(Ring Structure)

(Side Chain and Linking Group)

TABLE 1 n (number) at terminal C_(n)H_(2n+1)— -2- —CH₂CH₂— -1O- —CH₂O—-O1- —OCH₂— -V- —CO— -VO- —COO— -CFFO- —CF₂O— -F —F -Cl —Cl -CN —C≡N-OCFFF —OCF₃ -CFFF —CF₃ -On —OC_(n)H_(2n+1)— -T- —C≡C— -N- —CH═N—N═CH—ndm- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—HC═CH—(CH₂)_(m−1)— -ndm—(CH₂)_(n−1)—HC═CH—C_(m)H_(2m+1) ndmO- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—HC═CH—(CH₂)_(m−1)O—-Ondm —O—(CH₂)_(n−1)—HC═CH—C_(m)H_(2m+1) -ndm-—(CH₂)_(n−1)—HC═CH—(CH₂)_(m−1)—

[Preparation of Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compositions]

The polymerizable liquid crystal composition used in the presentinvention for forming a retardation layer was prepared as follows.

(Preparation of Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Composition 1)

With a stirring apparatus having a stirring propeller, 34 parts of acompound (A1), 10 parts of a compound (A2), 28 parts of a compound (B1),28 parts of a compound (B2), 0.1 part of a compound (E1), 0.2 parts of acompound (H1), 300 parts of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate(PGMEA) as an organic solvent (D1), and 3 parts of a compound (F1) werestirred for an hour at a stirring speed of 500 rpm and a solutiontemperature of 60° C. The resulting product was filtered through a0.2-μm membrane filter (PTFE, thickness: 60 μm) at a filtration pressureadjusted to be 0.20 MPa, thereby obtaining a polymerizable liquidcrystal composition 1 used in the present invention.

(Preparation of Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compositions 2 to 8 andComparative Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compositions 1 to 6)

As in the preparation of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition 1,compounds shown in Tables 1 to 4 were prepared to obtain polymerizableliquid crystal compositions 2 to 8 used in the present invention andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions 1 to 6.

Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (C1)

Phenoxyethyl acrylate (C2)

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (D1)

p-methoxyphenol (E1)

Irgacure 907 (F1)

DTZ-102 (G1)

Polypropylene (Weight average molecular weight (MW): 1275) (H1)

F-556 (H2)

TABLE 2 Polymerizable liquid crystal compositions Compounds (1) (2) (3)(4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (A1) 34 10 21 (A2) 10 23 (A3) 50 40 (A4) 10 25 43 15(A5) 10 25 43 45 (A6) 10 (A7) 40 (A8) 20 (A9) 30 (A10) 80 (B1) 28 21(B2) 28 (B3) 35 (B4) 35 (B5) 35 (B6) 14 (B7) 20 (C1) 5 (C2) 3 (D1) 300300 300 300 300 300 300 300 (E1) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (F1) 3 3 33 3 3 3 (G1) 3 (H1) 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 (H2) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

TABLE 3 Comparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions Compounds(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (A1) 10 5 10 (A2) 10 3 10 (A3) 10 (A4) 5 10 (A5)5 (A6) (A7) (A8) (A9) 5 (A10) 17 (B1) 40 30 7 40 20 (B2) 40 30 5 (B3) 2540 30 (B4) 40 30 (B5) 40 (B6) (B7) 83 (C1) (C2) (D1) 300 300 300 300 300300 (E1) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (F1) 3 3 3 3 3 (G1) 3 (H1) 0.2 0.2 0.2 (H2)0.1 0.1 0.1

(Preparation of Photo-Alignment Agent Composition 1 Used for FormingRetardation Layer)

A compound (monomer) represented by Formula (J) was synthesized as inthe description of Examples 1 and 2 in Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2013-33248.

In a flask, 2.0 g of the monomer (J), 16.8 mg of azobisisobutyronitrile,and 20.2 mL of tetrahydrofuran were mixed with each other, the mixturewas stirred in a nitrogen atmosphere at 60° C. for 8 hours, five timesthe amount of hexane to the monomer used (5 mL per 1 g of monomer) wassubsequently added thereto to precipitate the reaction mixture, and thesupernatant liquid was removed through decantation. The reaction mixturewas dissolved again in three times the amount of tetrahydrofuran to themonomer used (3 mL per 1 g of monomer), and five times the amount ofhexane to the monomer used (5 mL per 1 g of monomer) was added theretoto precipitate the reaction mixture, and then the supernatant liquid wasremoved through decantation. This sequential procedure of theredissolution in tetrahydrofuran, the precipitation with hexane, and thedecantation was further repeated three times; and then the resultingreaction mixture was dried at 20° C. under reduced pressure in a statein which light was shielded to yield 1.71 g of a polymer represented byFormula (K).

The weight average molecular weight Mw of the polymer represented byFormula (K) was 50,352. The mixture of 2 parts by mass of thephoto-alignment agent (K) and 98 parts by mass of PGME was stirred atroom temperature for 10 minutes. The polymer solution in which thepolymer had been uniformly dissolved in the solvent was filtered througha 1-μm membrane filter to obtain a photo-alignment agent composition 1used for forming a retardation layer.

(Retardation Layer of Stretched Film)

A COP film of ZEONEX (manufactured by Zeon Corporation) was used.

Examples 1 to 4

A color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then an alignment film (6) for a retardation film wasformed thereon. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 wasapplied to the alignment film (6) for a retardation film with a spincoater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at roomtemperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emittedfrom a high pressure mercury lamp to form a first retardation layer (7)of a positive C plate. An alignment film (8) for a retardation film wasformed on the first retardation layer (7). The alignment film (8) for aretardation film was slightly rubbed, then the polymerizable liquidcrystal composition 1 was applied thereto with a spin coater, dried at80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature, andirradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a highpressure mercury lamp to form a second retardation layer (9) of apositive A plate. A transparent electrode layer (13) and a pixelelectrode layer (14) were attached to a second light-transmittingsubstrate (15), and then an alignment film (12) was formed andsubsequently slightly rubbed. The following liquid crystal compositionwas put into a liquid crystal layer (11) positioned between the secondretardation layer (9) and the alignment film (12) to yield an IPS liquidcrystal display device of Example 1. FIG. 11 illustrates the liquidcrystal display device of Example 1.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 2 to 4 were produced as inExample 1 except that the following polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following table shows results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 4 Liquid crystal composition 1 Content Compounds (%) 3-Cy-Cy-1d048 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 4 1-Ph-Ph-3d1 8 3-Cy-Ph-Ph-2 5 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-3 53-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 2 3-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 3 3-Ph-Ph1-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 74-Cy-Cy-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 5 2-Pr-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 6 3-Pr-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F7 Tni/° C. 75.5 Δn 0.112 Δε 3.5 η/mPa · s 13.8

TABLE 5 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 1 composition 1 composition 1 composition 1 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition7 composition 8 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 1composition 1 composition 1 composition 1 VHR 99.3 99.4 99.6 99.3 ID 3931 25 37 Image-sticking Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

In the liquid crystal composition 1, the temperature range of the liquidcrystal layer was 75.5° C., which was practical for a liquid crystalcomposition used in TV; in addition, the liquid crystal composition 1had a dielectric anisotropy with a large absolute value, low viscosity,and proper Δn.

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 1 to 4 had a highVHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking, noafterimage was observed.

Examples 5 to 12

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Examples 5 to 12 were produced asin Example 1 except that the following liquid crystal compositions andpolymerizable liquid crystal compositions were used. The VHRs and IDthereof were measured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjectedto the evaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show resultsof the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 6 Liquid crystal Liquid crystal composition 2 composition 3Content Content Compounds (%) Compounds (%) 4-Cy-Cy-1d0 15 5-Cy-Cy-1d0 50d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 4 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 10 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 14 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 83-Cy-Ph-Ph-Cy-3 3 5-Cy-Cy-Ph-O1 6 3-Cy-Ph-Ph1-Cy-3 4 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-3 81-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 9 2-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 11 2-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 10 3-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 153-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 10 5-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 5 5-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 5 3-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 60d1-Cy-Cy-Ph1-F 8 3-Cy-Ph-Ph1-F 9 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1-Ph3-F 8 4-Cy-Cy-Ph-OCFFF 42-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 4 3-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 7 3-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 65-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 4 Tni/° C. 100.7 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1-Ph3-F 2 Δn 0.094 Tni/°C. 103.2 Δε 8.0 Δn 0.102 γ1/mPa · s 108 Δε 7.1 η/mPa · s 22.2 γ1/mPa · s96 η/mPa · s 20.8

TABLE 7 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 2 composition 2 composition 2 composition 2 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition7 composition 8 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 2composition 2 composition 2 composition 2 VHR 99.2 99.4 99.5 99.3 ID 4433 28 39 Image-sticking Excellent Good Excellent Excellent

TABLE 8 Example 9 Example 10 Example 11 Example 12 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 3 composition 3 composition 3 composition 3 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition7 composition 8 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 3composition 3 composition 3 composition 3 VHR 99.2 99.4 99.4 99.2 ID 4132 29 36 Image-sticking Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 5 to 12 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 13 to 24

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Examples 13 to 24 were produced asin Example 1 except that the following liquid crystal compositions andpolymerizable liquid crystal compositions were used. The VHRs and IDthereof were measured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjectedto the evaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show resultsof the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 9 Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal composition 4composition 5 composition 6 Content Content Content Compounds (%)Compounds (%) Compounds (%) 5-Cy-Cy-1d0 15 5-Cy-Cy-1d0 10 5-Cy-Cy-1d0 123-Cy-Cy-1d1 2 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 5 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 25 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 120d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 8 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 12 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-3 3 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 120d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 4 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-4 3 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 2 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 92-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 8 3-Cy-Ph-Ph-Cy-3 3 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph3-F 5 2-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 33-Cy-Ph-Ph1-Cy-3 3 3-Ph-Ph1-Ph3-F 9 3-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 9 1-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 92-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 4 4-Cy-Cy-Ph-OCFFF 14 2-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 103-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 6 3-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 11 3-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 63-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 2 2-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 9 5-Cy-Cy-Ph3-F 55-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 3 3-Cy-Cy-CFFO-Ph3-F 8 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph1-F 83-Cy-Cy-Ph1-Ph3-F 9 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1-Ph3-F 3 2-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 4 Tni/° C.77.4 Tni/° C. 90.2 3-Ph-Ph3-CFFO-Ph3-F 6 Δn 0.101 Δn 0.0983-Cy-Cy-Ph1-Ph3-F 9 Δε 7.0 Δε 9.1 Tni/° C. 110.0 γ1/mPa · s 86 γ1/mPa ·s 90 Δn 0.099 η/mPa · s 14.2 η/mPa · s 18.1 Δε 8.3 γ1/mPa · s 112 η/mPa· s 23.4

TABLE 10 Example 13 Example 14 Example 15 Example 16 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 4 composition 4 composition 4 composition 4 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition7 composition 8 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 4composition 4 composition 4 composition 4 VHR 99.2 99.4 99.5 99.4 ID 4734 30 35 Image-sticking Good Excellent Excellent Excellent

TABLE 11 Example 17 Example 18 Example 19 Example 20 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 5 composition 5 composition 5 composition 5 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition7 composition 8 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 1composition 1 composition 1 composition 1 VHR 99.4 99.5 99.6 99.4 ID 4029 23 37 Image-sticking Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

TABLE 12 Example 21 Example 22 Example 23 Example 24 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 6 composition 6 composition 6 composition 6 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition7 composition 8 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 2composition 2 composition 2 composition 2 VHR 99.3 99.6 99.7 99.5 ID 4621 18 32 Image-sticking Good Excellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 13 to 24 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 25 to 28

The color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then the alignment film (6) for a retardation filmwas formed thereon. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 wasapplied to the alignment film for a retardation film with a spin coater,dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature,and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a highpressure mercury lamp to form the first retardation layer (7) of apositive C plate. The alignment film (8) for a retardation film wasformed on this retardation layer and slightly rubbed. The polymerizableliquid crystal composition 1 was applied onto such an alignment film fora retardation film with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes,subsequently cooled at room temperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercury lamp to formthe second retardation layer (9) of a positive A plate. The alignmentfilm (10) was formed on the second retardation layer (9) and thenslightly rubbed. The transparent electrode layer (13) and the pixelelectrode layer (14) were attached to the second light-transmittingsubstrate (15), and then the alignment film (12) was formed thereon andsubsequently slightly rubbed. The liquid crystal composition 1 used inExample 1 was put into the liquid crystal layer (11) positioned betweenthe alignment film (10) and the alignment film (12) to yield an IPSliquid crystal display device of Example 25. FIG. 12 illustrates theliquid crystal display device of Example 25.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 26 to 28 were produced as inExample 25 except that the following polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following table shows results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 13 Example 25 Example 26 Example 27 Example 28 Liquid crystalcomposition Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystalcomposition 1 composition 1 composition 1 composition 1 Polymerizableliquid crystal Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizablecomposition for first liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal retardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition5 composition 6 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for second liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 1composition 1 composition 2 composition 2 VHR 99.4 99.3 99.5 99.5 ID 3832 27 26 Image-sticking Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 25 to 28 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed.

Examples 29 to 40

The color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then the alignment film (6) for a retardation filmwas formed thereon. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 wasapplied to the alignment film (6) for a retardation film with a spincoater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at roomtemperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emittedfrom a high pressure mercury lamp to form the first retardation layer(7) of a positive C plate. The alignment film (8) for a retardation filmwas formed on this retardation layer and slightly rubbed. Thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition 4 was applied onto such analignment film for a retardation film with a spin coater, dried at 80°C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature, andirradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a highpressure mercury lamp to form the second retardation layer (9) of apositive A plate. The transparent electrode layer (13) was attached tothe second retardation layer (9), and the alignment film (10) was formedand then slightly rubbed. The pixel electrode layer (14) was attached tothe second light-transmitting substrate (15), and then the alignmentfilm (12) was formed thereon and subsequently slightly rubbed. Thefollowing liquid crystal composition 7 was put into the liquid crystallayer (11) positioned between the alignment film (10) and the alignmentfilm (12) to yield a TN liquid crystal display device of Example 29.FIG. 13 illustrates the liquid crystal display device of Example 29.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 30 to 40 were produced as inExample 29 except that the following liquid crystal compositions andpolymerizable liquid crystal compositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 14 Compounds Content (%) Liquid crystal composition 7 3-Cy-Cy-1d038 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 9 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 16 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 4 2-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F2 3-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 12 3-Cy-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 7 3-Ph—Ph—Ph1—Ph3—F 13-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 2 2-Py—Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 9 Tni/° C. 76.0 Δn0.097 Δε 6.8 γ1/mPa · s 83 η/mPa · s 14.5 Liquid crystal composition 83-Cy-Cy-1d0 38 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 14 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 8 3-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 93-Cy-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 15 3-Ph-Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 2 4-Ph-Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F7 5-Ph-Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 7 Tni/° C. 81.8 Δn 0.099 Δε 80 γ1/mPa · s 83η/mPa · s 14.6 Liquid crystal composition 9 3-Cy-Cy-1d0 30 3-Cy-Cy-1d117 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 7 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 7 3-Cy-Cy-Ph-2 2 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-4 22-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—F 8 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—F 12 3-Ph—Ph3—Ph3—F 43-Cy-Cy-Ph1—CFFO—Ph3—F 11 Tni/° C. 75.0 Δn 0.112 Δε 8.7 γ1/mPa · s 87η/mPa · s 15.2

TABLE 15 Example 29 Example 30 Example 31 Example 32 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 7 composition 7 composition 7 composition 7 PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 5 composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for firstretardation layer Polymerizable Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1 composition 1composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layer VHR 99.4 99.499.5 99.6 ID 44 38 31 32 Image-sticking Good Excellent ExcellentExcellent

TABLE 16 Example 33 Example 34 Example 35 Example 36 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 8 composition 8 composition 8 composition 8 PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 5 composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for firstretardation layer Polymerizable Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1 composition 1composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layer VHR 99.1 99.299.3 99.4 ID 51 48 42 25 Image-sticking Good Good Excellent Excellent

TABLE 17 Example 37 Example 38 Example 39 Example 40 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 9 composition 9 composition 9 composition 9 PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 5 composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for firstretardation layer Polymerizable Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1 composition 1composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layer VHR 99.2 99.399.3 99.5 ID 45 39 33 24 Image-sticking Excellent Excellent ExcellentExcellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 29 to 40 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 41 to 44

The color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then the alignment film (6) for a retardation filmwas formed thereon and slightly rubbed. The polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition 1 was applied to the alignment film (6) for a retardationfilm with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequentlycooled at room temperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm² ofultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercury lamp to form thefirst retardation layer (7) of a positive A plate. An alignment film (8)for a retardation film was formed on this retardation layer. Thepolymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 was applied onto such analignment film for a retardation film with a spin coater, dried at 80°C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature, andirradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a highpressure mercury lamp to form the second retardation layer (9) of apositive C plate. The alignment film (10) was formed on the secondretardation layer (9). The transparent electrode layer (13) and thepixel electrode layer (14) were attached to the secondlight-transmitting substrate (15), and then the alignment film (12) wasformed thereon and subsequently slightly rubbed. The liquid crystalcomposition 7 used in Example 29 was put into the liquid crystal layer(11) positioned between the alignment film (10) and the alignment film(12) to yield an IPS liquid crystal display device of Example 41.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 42 to 44 were produced as inExample 41 except that the following polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following table shows results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 18 Example 41 Example 42 Example 43 Example 44 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 7 composition 7 composition 7 composition 7 PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 1 composition 1 composition 2 composition 2 for firstretardation layer Polymerizable Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5 composition 6composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layer VHR 99.3 99.499.5 99.6 ID 46 40 31 23 Image-sticking Good Excellent ExcellentExcellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 41 to 44 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 45 to 52

The color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then the alignment film (6) for a retardation filmwas formed thereon and slightly rubbed. The polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition 1 was applied to the alignment film (6) for a retardationfilm with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequentlycooled at room temperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm² ofultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercury lamp to form thefirst retardation layer (7) of a positive A plate. The alignment film(10) was formed on the first retardation layer (7). The transparentelectrode layer (13) was attached to the second light-transmittingsubstrate (15), and then an insulating layer (20) was formed thereon.The pixel electrode layer (14) was attached to the insulating layer(20), and then the alignment film (8) for a retardation film was formedthereon. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 was applied ontothe alignment film (8) for a retardation film with a spin coater, driedat 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature, andirradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a highpressure mercury lamp to form the second retardation layer (9) of apositive C plate. The alignment film (12) was formed on the secondretardation layer (9) and then slightly rubbed. The following liquidcrystal composition was put into the liquid crystal layer (11)positioned between the alignment film (10) and the alignment film (12)to yield an FFS liquid crystal display device of Example 45. FIG. 14illustrates the liquid crystal display device of Example 45.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 46 to 52 were produced as inExample 45 except that the following polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 19 Compounds Content (%) Liquid crystal composition 10 3-Cy-Cy-1d039 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 7 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 11 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 8 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-5 83-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 10 3-Cy-Cy-Ph—Ph3—F 6 4-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 11Tni/° C. 76.0 Δn 0.114 Δε 6.0 γ1/mPa · s 77 η/mPa · s 13.3 Liquidcrystal composition 11 3-Cy-Cy-1d0 44 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 3 2-Ph—Ph-3d1 133-Cy-Ph—Ph-2 7 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 8 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 7 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 94-Cy-Cy-Ph1—CFFO—Ph3—F 3 3-Cy-Ph3—Ph1—OCFFF 6 Tni/° C. 77.9 Δn 0.131 Δε4.6 γ1/mPa · s 74 η/mPa · s 12.4

TABLE 20 Example 45 Example 46 Example 47 Example 48 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 10 composition 10 composition 10 composition 10Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.3 99.5 99.6 99.7 ID 39 30 24 16 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

TABLE 21 Example 49 Example 50 Example 51 Example 52 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 11 composition 11 composition 11 composition 11Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.3 99.4 99.4 99.5 ID 43 34 37 27 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 45 to 52 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed.

Examples 53 to 64

FFS liquid crystal display devices of Examples 53 to 64 were produced asin Example 45 except that the following liquid crystal compositions andpolymerizable liquid crystal compositions were used. The VHRs and IDthereof were measured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjectedto the evaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show resultsof the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 22 Compounds Content (%) Liquid crystal composition 12 3-Cy-Cy-1d047 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 9 3-Cy-Cy-Ph-2 7 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 4 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-5 73-Cy-Ph—Ph-Cy-3 2 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 6 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 7 3-Ph-Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 23-Cy-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 2 3-Cy-Ph—Ph3—Ph1—OCFFF 7 Tni/° C. 80.6 Δn 0.122 Δε6.0 γ1/mPa · s 65 η/mPa · s 11.1 Liquid crystal composition 133-Cy-Cy-1d0 29 5-Cy-Cy-1d1 8 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 13 5-Ph—Ph-1 2 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 62-Ph—Ph1—Ph-4 6 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-5 6 3-Cy-Ph—Ph-Cy-3 4 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—F 92-Ph—Ph3—Ph3—F 7 3-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 4 3-Cy-Ph—Cl 3 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 3Tni/° C. 74.9 Δn 0.121 Δε 4.1 γ1/mPa · s 60 η/mPa · s 10.8 Liquidcrystal composition 14 3-Cy-Cy-1d0 10 3-Cy-Cy-1d1 6 3-Cy-Cy-1d1-F 280d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 11 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 10 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3 10 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-5 105-Cy-Ph—Ph1—Ph-2 2 3-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 7 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1—CFFO—Ph3—F 6 Tni/°C. 80.0 Δn 0.110 Δε 5.9 γ1/mPa · s 68 η/mPa · s 11.6

TABLE 23 Example 53 Example 54 Example 55 Example 56 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 12 composition 12 composition 12 composition 12Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.2 99.3 99.4 99.4 ID 49 45 39 33 Image-sticking Good ExcellentExcellent Excellent

TABLE 24 Example 57 Example 58 Example 59 Example 60 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 13 composition 13 composition 13 composition 13Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.4 99.5 99.6 99.6 ID 19 49 16 30 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

TABLE 25 Example 61 Example 62 Example 63 Example 64 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 14 composition 14 composition 14 composition 14Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.2 99.3 99.4 99.5 ID 52 42 34 29 Image-sticking Good GoodExcellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 53 to 64 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 65 to 72

The color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then a planarization layer (5) was formed thereon.The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 was applied onto theplanarization layer (5) with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for 2minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature, and irradiated with500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercurylamp to form the first retardation layer (7) of a positive C plate. Thealignment film (8) for a retardation film was formed on the firstretardation layer (7). The alignment film (8) for a retardation film wasslightly rubbed, and then the polymerizable liquid crystal composition 1was applied thereto with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes,subsequently cooled at room temperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercury lamp to formthe second retardation layer (9) of a positive A plate. The transparentelectrode layer (13) was attached to the second light-transmittingsubstrate (15), and then the insulating layer (20) was formed thereon.The pixel electrode layer (14) was attached to the insulating layer(20), and the alignment film (12) was subsequently formed thereon andthen slightly rubbed. The following liquid crystal composition was putinto the liquid crystal layer (11) positioned between the secondretardation layer (9) and the alignment layer (12) to yield an FFSliquid crystal display device of Example 65. FIG. 15 illustrates theliquid crystal display device of Example 1.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 66 to 72 were produced as inExample 65 except that the following polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 26 Example 65 Example 66 Example 67 Example 68 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 10 composition 10 composition 10 composition 10Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 5 composition 6 composition 5composition 6 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1composition 2 composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layerVHR 99.4 99.6 99.7 99.7 ID 38 31 23 17 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

TABLE 27 Example 69 Example 70 Example 71 Example 72 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 11 composition 11 composition 11 composition 11Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 5 composition 6 composition 5composition 6 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1composition 2 composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layerVHR 99.4 99.3 99.4 99.5 ID 42 33 36 27 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 65 to 72 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed.

Examples 73 to 76

The color filter layer (4) was attached to the first light-transmittingsubstrate (3), and then the alignment film (6) for a retardation filmwas formed thereon. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 wasapplied to the alignment film (6) for a retardation film with a spincoater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes, subsequently cooled at roomtemperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emittedfrom a high pressure mercury lamp to form the first retardation layer(7) of a positive C plate. The alignment film (10) was formed on thefirst retardation layer (7) and slightly rubbed. An adhesive layer (16)and a stretched film (19) were formed on one side of the secondlight-transmitting substrate (15). The transparent electrode layer (13)and the pixel electrode layer (14) were attached to the other side ofthe second light-transmitting substrate (15), and then the alignmentfilm (12) was formed and slightly rubbed. The liquid crystal composition12 used in Example 53 was put into the liquid crystal layer (11)positioned between the alignment film (10) and the alignment film (12)to yield an IPS liquid crystal display device of Example 73. FIG. 16illustrates the liquid crystal display device of Example 73.

Liquid crystal display devices of Examples 74 to 76 were produced as inExample 73 except that the following polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions were used.

The VHRs and ID of the produced liquid crystal display devices weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following table shows results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 28 Example 73 Example 74 Example 75 Example 76 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 12 composition 12 composition 12 composition 12Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 5 composition 6 composition 7composition 8 for first retardation layer Second COP film COP film COPfilm COP film retardation layer VHR 99.2 99.3 99.4 99.2 ID 44 34 29 38Image-sticking Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 73 to 76 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed.

Examples 77 to 80

FFS liquid crystal display devices of Examples 77 to 80 were produced asin Example 45 except that the following liquid crystal compositions andpolymerizable liquid crystal compositions were used. The VHRs and IDthereof were measured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjectedto the evaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show resultsof the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 29 Compounds Content (%) Liquid crystal composition 15 3-Cy-Cy-1d044 3-Cy-Ph—O1 4 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 10 3-Cy-Cy-VO—Ph-Cy-3 43-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—O1-1d0 6 2-Cy-Ph—Ph3—O1—Ph3—F 5 3-Cy-Ph—Ph3—O1—Ph3—F 53-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph—Ph3—F 4.5 4-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph—Ph3—F 4.5 5-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph—Ph3—F 43-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 5 5-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 4 TNI/° C. 86.9 T→N −24 Δn0.099 no 1.484 Δε 8.7 ε⊥ 3.7 γ1/mPa · s 68 η/mPa · s 14.0 Vth/Vrms 1.54Liquid crystal composition 16 3-Cy-Cy-1d0 44 5-Cy-Cy-1d0 20d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 6 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 5 1-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3d0 4 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3d0 62-Cy-Cy-Ph1—F 2 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1—F 3 3-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Np3—F 124-Cy-Ph—Ph3—O1—Ph3—F 4 3-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 4 4-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 55-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 3 TNI/° C. 79.8 T→N −29 Δn 0.106 no 1.488 Δε 8.1ε⊥ 3.5 γ1/mPa · s 59 η/mPa · s 12.3 Vth/Vrms 1.63

TABLE 30 Example 77 Example 78 Example 79 Example 80 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 15 composition 15 composition 15 composition 15Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.3 99.3 99.5 99.6 ID 45 42 30 19 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

TABLE 31 Example 81 Example 82 Example 83 Example 84 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 16 composition 16 composition 16 composition 16Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.2 99.3 99.5 99.5 ID 49 46 22 23 Image-sticking Good GoodExcellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 77 to 84 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 85 to 92

FFS liquid crystal display devices of Examples 85 to 92 were produced asin Example 45 except that the following liquid crystal compositions andpolymerizable liquid crystal compositions were used. The VHRs and IDthereof were measured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjectedto the evaluation of image-sticking. The following tables show resultsof the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 32 Compounds Content (%) Liquid crystal composition 17 3-Cy-Cy-1d031 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 13 2-Cy-Cy-Ph1—F 10 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1—F 14 2-Cy-Cy-Ph—Ph1—F2 3-Cy-Cy-Ph—Ph1—F 4 3-Cy-Ph1—Np3—F 7 3-Ph3—O1—Ph—Np3—F 82-Ph3—O1-Cy-Ph3—Ph3—F 6 3-Ph3—O1-Cy-Ph3—Ph3—F 5 TNI/° C. 97.7 T→N −56 Δn0.101 no 1.488 Δε 7.9 ε⊥ 3.4 γ1/mPa · s 87 η/mPa · s 18.5 Vth/Vrms 1.71Liquid crystal composition 18 3-Cy-Cy-1d0 38 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 140d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 12 1-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3d0 4 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3d0 6 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph-3d0 83-Cy-Ph—Ph3—O1—Ph3—F 5 3-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph—Ph3—F 3 4-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph—Ph3—F 33-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 4 5-Ph3—O1-Oc-Ph1—Ph3—F 3 TNI/° C. 102.1 T→N −36Δn 0.121 no 1.494 Δε 4.8 ε⊥ 3.1 γ1/mPa · s 63 η/mPa · s 13.4 Vth/Vrms2.45

TABLE 33 Example 85 Example 86 Example 87 Example 88 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 17 composition 17 composition 17 composition 17Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.1 99.2 99.4 99.5 ID 53 41 29 25 Image-sticking Good ExcellentExcellent Excellent

TABLE 34 Example 89 Example 90 Example 91 Example 92 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 18 composition 18 composition 18 composition 18Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 1 composition 1 composition 2composition 2 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 5composition 6 composition 5 composition 6 for second retardation layerVHR 99.1 99.3 99.3 99.4 ID 58 45 42 33 Image-sticking Good GoodExcellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 85 to 92 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Examples 93 to 96

The liquid crystal composition and polymerizable liquid crystalcompositions shown in the following table were used, and aphoto-alignment film containing a photo-alignment material was used asthe alignment film (8) for a retardation layer; except for thesechanges, liquid crystal display devices of Examples 93 to 96 wereproduced as in Example 65. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display devices were subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

The photo-alignment film was formed as follows. A photo-alignment agentcomposition for a retardation layer was applied to a light-transmittingsubstrate with a spin coater, and then the resulting product wasprebaked on a hot plate at 80° C. for 120 seconds to form a coating filmhaving a thickness of 0.1 μm. The coating film was post-baked in an ovenat 200° C. for an hour, thereby forming a cured film. In the case ofusing photo-alignment agent composition 1 or 2 for a retardation layer,the cured film was irradiated with 300 J/m² of linear polarized lighthaving a wavelength of 313 nm.

TABLE 35 Example 93 Example 94 Example 95 Example 96 Liquid crystalLiquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 10 composition 10 composition 10 composition 10Photo-alignment Photo-alignment Photo-alignment Photo-alignmentPhoto-alignment agent agent agent agent agent composition composition 1composition 1 composition 1 composition 1 for second retardation layerPolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal composition composition 5 composition 6 composition 5composition 6 for first retardation layer Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1composition 1 composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layerVHR 99.4 99.5 99.7 99.7 ID 37 31 22 18 Image-sticking ExcellentExcellent Excellent Excellent

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Examples 85 to 88 had ahigh VHR and small ID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking,no afterimage was observed, or an acceptable degree of slight afterimagewas observed, if any.

Example 97

The color filter layer (4) was attached to a polarization layer (1)including a polarization layer (1), an adhesive layer (2), and the firstlight-transmitting substrate (3); and then the planarization layer (5)was formed. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition 5 was appliedonto the planarization layer (5) with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for2 minutes, subsequently cooled at room temperature, and irradiated with500 mJ/cm² of ultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercurylamp to form the first retardation layer (7) of a positive C plate. Thealignment film (8) for a retardation film was formed on the firstretardation layer (7). The alignment film (8) for a retardation film wasslightly rubbed, and then the polymerizable liquid crystal composition 1was applied thereto with a spin coater, dried at 80° C. for 2 minutes,subsequently cooled at room temperature, and irradiated with 500 mJ/cm²of ultraviolet light emitted from a high pressure mercury lamp to formthe second retardation layer (9) of a positive A plate. The transparentelectrode (13) was attached to a polarization layer (17) including apolarization layer (17), the adhesive layer (16), and the secondlight-transmitting substrate (15); and then the insulating layer (20)was formed thereon. The pixel electrode layer (14) was attached to theinsulating layer (20), and then the alignment film (12) was formedthereon and then slightly rubbed. The following liquid crystalcomposition was put into the liquid crystal layer (11) positionedbetween the second retardation layer (9) and the alignment layer (12) toyield an FFS liquid crystal display device of Example 97. FIG. 17illustrates the liquid crystal display device of Example 97.

The VHR and ID of the produced liquid crystal display device weremeasured. The liquid crystal display device was subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following table shows results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 36 Example 97 Liquid crystal Liquid crystal compositioncomposition 10 Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystalcomposition composition 6 for first retardation layer PolymerizablePolymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 2for second retardation layer VHR 99.4 ID 30 Image-sticking Excellent

The liquid crystal display device of Example 97 had a high VHR and smallID. Furthermore, in the evaluation of image-sticking, no afterimage wasobserved.

Comparative Examples 1 to 3

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 wereproduced as in Example 1 except that the following comparative liquidcrystal composition and polymerizable liquid crystal compositions wereused. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. The liquid crystal displaydevices were subjected to the evaluation of image-sticking. Thefollowing table show results of the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 37 Comparative liquid crystal composition 1 Compounds Content (%)4-Cy-VO—Ph-1 27 5-Cy-VO—Ph-1 20 5-Cy-VO—Ph-3 20 3-Ph—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 83-Cy-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 13 3-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—CFFO—Ph3—F 12 Tni/° C. 69.3 Δn 0.096Δε 4.8 η/mPa · s 30.3

TABLE 38 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 1 Example 2 Example3 Liquid crystal Comparative Comparative Comparative composition liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition 1 composition 1composition 1 Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 5 composition 6 composition 8 for first retardation layerPolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 1composition 1 composition 1 for second retardation layer VHR 98.2 98.398.2 ID 120 105 116 Image-sticking Poor Poor Poor

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 1 to3 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking,an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Examples 4 to 9

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 4 to 9 wereproduced as in Example 1 except that the following comparative liquidcrystal compositions and polymerizable liquid crystal compositions wereused. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. The liquid crystal displaydevices were subjected to the evaluation of image-sticking. Thefollowing tables show results of the measurement and evaluation.

TABLE 39 Compounds Content (%) Comparative liquid crystal composition 22-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 12 3-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 10 5-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 6 2-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 93-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 8 4-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 7 2-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 12 3-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F10 2-Cy-Py-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 5.5 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—F 5.5 0d1-Cy-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 15Tni/° C. 75.7 Δn 0.093 γ1/mPa · s 146 Comparative liquid crystalcomposition 3 2-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 12 3-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 10 2-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 83-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 8 4-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 7 5-Cy-Cy-Ph—OCFFF 4 2-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F12 3-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 4 2-Cy-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 12 2-Ph—Ph1—Ph3—F 80d1-Cy-Cy-CFFO—Ph3—F 15 Tni/° C. 75.0 Δn 0.093 γ1/mPa · s 139

TABLE 40 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 4 Example 5 Example6 Liquid crystal Comparative Comparative Comparative composition liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition 2 composition 2composition 2 Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 5 composition 6 composition 8 for first retardation layerPolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 2composition 2 composition 2 for second retardation layer VHR 98.2 98.498.3 ID 130 198 112 Image-sticking Poor Bad Poor

TABLE 41 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 7 Example 8 Example9 Liquid crystal Comparative Comparative Comparative composition liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition 3 composition 3composition 3 Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizableliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 5 composition 6 composition 8 for first retardation layerPolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal composition composition 3composition 3 composition 3 for second retardation layer VHR 98.2 98.598.3 ID 128 96 110 Image-sticking Poor Bad Poor

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 4 to9 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking,an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Examples 10 to 13

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 10 to 13 wereproduced as in Example 25 except that the comparative liquid crystalcomposition and polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing tables were used. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display devices were subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 42 Comparative liquid crystal composition 4 Compounds Content (%)4-Cy-Cy-1d0 15 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 4 0d3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 14 3-Cy-Ph—Ph-Cy-3 33-Cy-Ph—Ph1-Cy-3 4 1-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 9 2-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 10 3-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 105-Cy-Cy-Ph3—F 5 3-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 8 5-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 7 3-Ph-Ph1—Ph3—F 33-Cy-Cy-Ph1—Ph3—F 8 Tni/° C. 101.0 Δn 0.095 Δε 8.2 γ1/mPa · s 115 η/mPa· s 23.6

TABLE 43 Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 10Example 11 Example 12 Example 13 Liquid crystal Comparative ComparativeComparative Comparative composition liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal composition 4 composition 4 composition 4composition 4 Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal composition composition 5 composition 6composition 5 composition 6 for first retardation layer PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable liquid crystalliquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal compositioncomposition 1 composition 1 composition 2 composition 2 for secondretardation layer VHR 98.1 98.3 98.3 98.5 ID 143 117 115 101Image-sticking Poor Poor Poor Poor

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 10 to13 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking,an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Examples 14 to 17

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 14 to 17 wereproduced as in Example 41 except that the comparative liquid crystalcomposition and polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing tables were used. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display devices were subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 44 Comparative liquid crystal composition 5 Content Compounds (%)2-Cy-Cy-1d0 32 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 4 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-3 10 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 113-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 7 2-Cy-Cy-Ph-F 6 3-Cy-Cy-Ph-F 21 5-Cy-Ph-Ph-F 73-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 2 Tni/° C. 77.2 Δn 0.135 Δε 4.5 γ1/mPa · s 57 η/mPa · s10.5

TABLE 45 Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 14Example 15 Example 16 Example 17 Liquid crystal composition ComparativeComparative Comparative Comparative liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal composition 5 composition 5 composition 5composition 5 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for first liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 1composition 1 composition 2 composition 2 Polymerizable liquid crystalPolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable composition forsecond liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalretardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition 5 composition6 VHR 98.1 98.2 98.2 98.4 ID 145 125 122 108 Image-sticking Poor PoorPoor Bad

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 14 to17 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking,an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Examples 18 to 21

FFS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 18 to 21 wereproduced as in Example 45 except that the comparative liquid crystalcomposition and polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing tables were used. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display devices were subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 46 Comparative liquid crystal composition 6 Content Compounds (%)4-Cy-Cy-1d0 18 3-Cy-Cy-4 15 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 8 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-3 102-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 6 3-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 6 2-Cy-Cy-Ph-F 6 3-Cy-Cy-Ph-F 105-Cy-Ph-Ph-F 7 3-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 14 Tni/° C. 73.5 Δn 0.126 Δε 4.9 γ1/mPa · s94 η/mPa · s 16.9

TABLE 47 Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 18Example 19 Example 20 Example 21 Liquid crystal composition ComparativeComparative Comparative Comparative liquid crystal liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal composition 6 composition 6 composition 6composition 6 Polymerizable liquid crystal Polymerizable PolymerizablePolymerizable Polymerizable composition for first liquid crystal liquidcrystal liquid crystal liquid crystal retardation layer composition 1composition 1 composition 2 composition 2 Polymerizable liquid crystalPolymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable Polymerizable composition forsecond liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystal liquid crystalretardation layer composition 5 composition 6 composition 5 composition6 VHR 98.1 98.2 98.3 98.3 ID 141 128 114 113 Image-sticking Poor PoorBad Bad

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 18 to21 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking,an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Examples 22 and 23

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 22 and 23were produced as in Example 65 except that the comparative liquidcrystal composition and polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shownin the following tables were used. The VHRs and ID thereof weremeasured. The liquid crystal display devices were subjected to theevaluation of image-sticking. The following table shows results of themeasurement and evaluation.

TABLE 48 Comparative liquid crystal composition 7 Content Compounds (%)4-Cy-Cy-1d0 18 3-Cy-Cy-4 15 0d1-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 8 2-Ph-Ph1-Ph-3 102-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 6 3-Ph-Ph1-Ph-5 5 2-Cy-Cy-Ph-F 6 3-Cy-Cy-Ph-F 55-Cy-Ph-Ph-F 7 3-Cy-Ph-Ph3-F 15 3-Cy-Cy-Ph1-Ph3-F 5 Tni/° C. 75.5 Δn0.125 Δε 5.5 γ1/mPa · s 103 η/mPa · s 18.4

TABLE 49 Comparative Comparative Example 22 Example 23 Liquid crystalComparative liquid Comparative liquid composition crystal composition 7crystal composition 7 Polymerizable liquid Polymerizable liquidPolymerizable liquid crystal composition for crystal composition 5crystal composition 6 first retardation layer Polymerizable liquid COPfilm COP film crystal composition for second retardation layer VHR 98.398.5 ID 119 97 Image-sticking Poor Bad

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 22and 23 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal displaydevice of the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation ofimage-sticking, an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Examples 24 to 32

IPS liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 24 to 32 wereproduced as in Example 1 except that the liquid crystal compositions andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing tables were used. The VHRs and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display devices were subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following tables show results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 50 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 24 Example 25Example 26 Liquid crystal composition Liquid crystal Liquid crystalLiquid crystal composition 1 composition 1 composition 1 Polymerizableliquid crystal Comparative Comparative Comparative composition for firstpolymerizable liquid polymerizable liquid polymerizable liquidretardation layer crystal composition 4 crystal composition 5 crystalcomposition 6 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative ComparativeComparative composition for second polymerizable liquid polymerizableliquid polymerizable liquid retardation layer crystal composition 1crystal composition 1 crystal composition 1 VHR 97.8 98.1 98.0 ID 162133 145 Image-sticking Poor Poor Poor

TABLE 51 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 27 Example 28Example 29 Liquid crystal composition Liquid crystal Liquid crystalLiquid crystal composition 2 composition 2 composition 2 Polymerizableliquid crystal Comparative Comparative Comparative composition for firstpolymerizable liquid polymerizable liquid polymerizable liquidretardation layer crystal composition 4 crystal composition 5 crystalcomposition 6 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative ComparativeComparative composition for second polymerizable liquid polymerizableliquid polymerizable liquid retardation layer crystal composition 2crystal composition 2 crystal composition 2 VHR 97.9 98.2 98.1 ID 155127 138 Image-sticking Poor Poor Poor

TABLE 52 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 30 Example 31Example 32 Liquid crystal composition Liquid crystal Liquid crystalLiquid crystal composition 3 composition 3 composition 3 Polymerizableliquid crystal Comparative Comparative Comparative composition for firstpolymerizable liquid polymerizable liquid polymerizable liquidretardation layer crystal composition 4 crystal composition 5 crystalcomposition 6 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative ComparativeComparative composition for second polymerizable liquid polymerizableliquid polymerizable liquid retardation layer crystal composition 3crystal composition 3 crystal composition 3 VHR 97.8 98.2 98.0 ID 158124 140 Image-sticking Poor Poor Poor

Each of the liquid crystal display devices of Comparative Examples 24 to32 had a lower VHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display deviceof the present invention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking,an unacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Example 33

A TN liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 33 wasproduced as in Example 29 except that the liquid crystal composition andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing table were used. The VHR and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display device was subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 53 Comparative Example 33 Liquid crystal composition Liquidcrystal composition 7 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparativepolymerizable composition for first liquid crystal composition 5retardation layer Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative polymerizablecomposition for second liquid crystal composition 2 retardation layerVHR 98.3 ID 126 Image-sticking Poor

The liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 33 had a lowerVHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking, anunacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Example 34

An IPS liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 34 wasproduced as in Example 41 except that the liquid crystal composition andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing table were used. The VHR and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display device was subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 54 Comparative Example 34 Liquid crystal composition Liquidcrystal composition 7 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparativepolymerizable composition for first liquid crystal composition 2retardation layer Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative polymerizablecomposition for second liquid crystal composition 5 retardation layerVHR 98.2 ID 128 Image-sticking Poor

The liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 34 had a lowerVHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking, anunacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Example 35

An FFS liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 35 wasproduced as in Example 45 except that the liquid crystal composition andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing table were used. The VHR and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display device was subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 55 Comparative Example 35 Liquid crystal composition Liquidcrystal composition 10 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparativepolymerizable composition for first liquid crystal composition 2retardation layer Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative polymerizablecomposition for second liquid crystal composition 5 retardation layerVHR 98.1 ID 136 Image-sticking Poor

The liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 35 had a lowerVHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking, anunacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Example 36

An FFS liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 36 wasproduced as in Example 65 except that the liquid crystal composition andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing table were used. The VHR and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display device was subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 56 Comparative Example 36 Liquid crystal composition Liquidcrystal composition 10 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparativepolymerizable composition for first liquid crystal composition 5retardation layer Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative polymerizablecomposition for second liquid crystal composition 2 retardation layerVHR 98.0 ID 134 Image-sticking Excellent

The liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 35 had a lowerVHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking, anunacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Example 37

An IPS liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 36 wasproduced as in Example 73 except that the liquid crystal composition andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal composition shown in thefollowing table were used. The VHR and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display device was subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 57 Comparative Example 36 Liquid crystal composition Liquidcrystal composition 12 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparativepolymerizable composition for first liquid crystal composition 5retardation layer Second retardation layer COP film VHR 98.2 ID 122Image-sticking Poor

The liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 36 had a lowerVHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking, anunacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

Comparative Example 38

An FFS liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 38 wasproduced as in Example 97 except that the liquid crystal composition andcomparative polymerizable liquid crystal compositions shown in thefollowing table were used. The VHR and ID thereof were measured. Theliquid crystal display device was subjected to the evaluation ofimage-sticking. The following table shows results of the measurement andevaluation.

TABLE 58 Comparative Example 38 Liquid crystal composition Liquidcrystal composition 10 Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparativepolymerizable composition for first liquid crystal composition 5retardation layer Polymerizable liquid crystal Comparative polymerizablecomposition for second liquid crystal composition 2 retardation layerVHR 98.0 ID 133 Image-sticking Poor

The liquid crystal display device of Comparative Example 38 had a lowerVHR and larger ID than the liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention. Moreover, in the evaluation of image-sticking, anunacceptable degree of afterimage was observed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display device comprisinga first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposedbetween the first and second substrates, a retardation layer disposedbetween the pair of substrates, and at least a pair of electrodes,wherein the liquid crystal layer contains a liquid crystal compositioncontaining at least one compound represented by General Formula (I)

(where R³¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, analkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; M³¹to M³³ each independently represent a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a1,4-phenylene group, at least one —CH₂— in the trans-1,4-cyclohexylenegroup is optionally substituted with —O— such that oxygen atoms are notdirectly bonded to each other, and at least one hydrogen atom in thephenylene group is optionally substituted with a fluorine atom; X³¹ andX³² each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; Z³¹represents a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethoxy group, or atrifluoromethyl group; K³¹ represents —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —CF₂O—, or —OCF₂—;n³¹ and n³² each independently represent 0, 1, or 2, and n³¹+n³² is 0,1, or 2; and in the case where M³¹ and M³³ are multiple, correspondingones of them may be the same as or different from each other) and atleast one compound selected from the group consisting of compoundsrepresented by General Formulae (II-a) to (II-f)

(where R¹⁹ to R³⁰ each independently represent an alkyl group having 1to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or analkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; and X²¹ represents a hydrogenatom or a fluorine atom), and the retardation layer is an opticallyanisotropic body formed through polymerization of a polymerizable liquidcrystal composition containing 25 weight % or more of a liquid crystalcompound having at least two polymerizable functional groups.
 2. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein a compoundrepresented by General Formula (1) is used as the liquid crystalcompound having at least two polymerizable functional groupsP¹-(Sp¹)_(m1)-MG-R¹  (1) (where P¹ represents a polymerizable functionalgroup; Sp¹ represents an alkylene group having 0 to 18 carbon atoms (thealkylene group is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom,CN, or alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and a polymerizablefunctional group; and one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups notadjoining each other in the alkylene group are each independentlyoptionally substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—,—OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are notdirectly bonded to each other); m1 represents 0 or 1; MG represents amesogenic group or a mesogenic supporting group; R¹ represents ahydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1to 18 carbon atoms; the alkyl group is optionally substituted with atleast one halogen atom or CN; one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groupsnot adjoining each other in the alkyl group are each independentlyoptionally substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—,—OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are notdirectly bonded to each other; alternatively, R¹ is represented byGeneral Formula (1-a)-(Sp^(1a))_(ma)-P^(1a)  (1-a) (where P^(1a) represents a polymerizablefunctional group, Sp^(1a) has the same meaning as Sp¹, and ma represents0 or 1); and MG is a mesogenic group or mesogenic supporting grouprepresented by General Formula (1-b)—Z0-(A1-Z1)_(n)-(A2-Z2)_(l)-(A3-Z3)_(k)-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-  (1-b) (where A1,A2, A3, A4, and A5 each independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group, a1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenyl group, atetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, atetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group,a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, apyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, athiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diylgroup, a 2,6-naphthylene group, a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 1,4-naphthylenegroup, a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group, abenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or afluorene-2,7-diyl group and may have, as a substituent, at least oneselected from F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃, a CN group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoylgroup having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 8carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxygroup having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenoyl group having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, and an alkenoyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms or at leastone substituent represented by General Formula (1-c)

(where P^(c) represents a polymerizable functional group; A represents—O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CH₂CH₂OCO—, —COOCH₂CH₂—,—OCOCH₂CH₂—, or a single bond; Sp^(1c) has the same meaning as Sp¹; n1represents 0 or 1; and mc represents 0 or 1); Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5each independently represent —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—,—CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —CH═CHCOO—, —OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂COO—, —CH₂CH₂OCO—,—COOCH₂CH₂—, —OCOCH₂CH₂—, —CONH—, —NHCO—, an alkyl group having 2 to 10carbon atoms and optionally a halogen atom, or a single bond; and n, l,and k each independently represent 0 or 1 and satisfy the relationshipof 0≤n+l+k≤3), where two or more polymerizable functional groups arepresent).
 3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1,wherein the retardation layer is an optically anisotropic body formedthrough polymerization of a polymerizable liquid crystal compositioncontaining a liquid crystal compound having two polymerizable functionalgroups.
 4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3,wherein a compound represented by General Formula (2) is used as theliquid crystal compound having two polymerizable functional groupsP^(2a)-(Sp^(2a))_(m2)-Z0-(A1-Z1)_(n)-(A2-Z2)_(l)-(A3-Z3)_(k)-A4-Z4-A5-Z5-(Sp^(2b))_(n2)-P^(2b)  (2)(where P^(2a) and P^(2b) each represent a polymerizable functionalgroup; Sp^(2a) and Sp^(2b) each independently represent an alkylenegroup having 0 to 18 carbon atoms (the alkylene group is optionallysubstituted with at least one halogen atom or CN; and one CH₂ group ortwo or more CH₂ groups not adjoining each other in the alkylene groupare each independently optionally substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—,—N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such thatoxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other); m2 and n2 eachindependently represent 0 or 1; n, l, and k each independently represent0 or 1 and satisfy the relationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3; A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5each independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylenegroup, a 1,4-cyclohexenyl group, a tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, a tetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, apyrazine-2,5-diyl group, a thiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 2,6-naphthylene group, aphenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group,a 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,4-naphthylene group, a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group,a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or afluorene-2,7-diyl group and may have, as a substituent, at least oneselected from F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃, a CN group, an alkyl group having 1 to 8carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoylgroup having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 8carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxygroup having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenoyl group having 2 to 8 carbonatoms, and an alkenoyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; Z0, Z1, Z2,Z3, Z4, and Z5 each independently represent —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂ CH₂—,—OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —CH═CHCOO—, —OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂COO—,—CH₂CH₂OCO—, —COOCH₂CH₂—, —OCOCH₂CH₂—, —CONH—, —NHCO—, an alkyl grouphaving 2 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally a halogen atom, or a singlebond; and n2b, k2b, and l2b each independently represent 0 or 1 andsatisfy the relationship of 0≤n+l+k≤3).
 5. The liquid crystal displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the retardation layer is anoptically anisotropic body formed through polymerization of apolymerizable liquid crystal composition further containing a liquidcrystal compound having one polymerizable functional group.
 6. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the amountof the liquid crystal compound having one polymerizable functional groupin the polymerizable liquid crystal composition is in the range of 5 to75 weight %.
 7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5,wherein a compound represented by General Formula (4) is used as theliquid crystal compound having one polymerizable functional groupP⁴-(Sp⁴)_(m4)-MG-R⁴  (4) (where P⁴ represents a polymerizable functionalgroup; Sp⁴ represents an alkylene group having 0 to 18 carbon atoms (thealkylene group is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atomor CN group; and one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoiningeach other in the alkylene group are each independently optionallysubstituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—,—SCO—, —COS—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded toeach other); m4 represents 0 or 1; MG represents a mesogenic group or amesogenic supporting group; R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogenatom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; thealkyl group is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom orCN; and one CH₂ group or two or more CH₂ groups not adjoining each otherin the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with—O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(CH₃)—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —SCO—, —COS—, or—C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other). 8.The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein theretardation layer includes a positive A plate and/or a positive C plate.9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a retardation layer disposed outside the pair of substrates.10. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 9, wherein theretardation layer disposed outside the pair of substrates includes astretched film.
 11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim1, wherein the compound represented by General Formula (I) is a compoundrepresented by any of General Formulae (M-1) to (M-4) and (M-10) to(M-18)

(where R^(M11) to R^(M181) each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 5carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxygroup having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X^(M11) to X^(M186) each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; Y^(M11) to Y^(M181) eachrepresent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃; and W^(M101) toW^(M172) each independently represent —CH₂— or —O—).
 12. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystalcomposition further contains at least one compound selected from thegroup consisting of compounds represented by General Formulae (III-a) to(III-f)

(where R⁴¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, analkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; X⁴¹to X⁴⁸ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom;and Z⁴¹ represents a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethoxy group, or atrifluoromethyl group).
 13. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal layer contains a polymer producedthrough polymerization of a liquid crystal composition containing atleast one polymerizable compound.
 14. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal composition layercontains difunctional monomer represented by General Formula (V)

(where X¹ and X² each independently represent a hydrogen atom or amethyl group; Sp¹ and Sp² each independently represent a single bond, analkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or —O—(CH₂)_(s)— (where srepresents an integer from 2 to 7, and the oxygen atom is bonded to anaromatic ring); Z¹ represents —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CF₂O—,—OCF₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CH═CH—COO—, —CH═CH—OCO—, —COO—CH═CH—,—OCO—CH═CH—, —COO—CH₂CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—COO—, —CH₂CH₂—OCO—,—COO—CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂—, —CH₂—COO—, —CH₂—OCO—, —CY¹═CY²— (where Y¹ and Y²each independently represent a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom), —C≡C—,or a single bond; and C represents a 1,4-phenylene group, atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, or a single bond, and in each1,4-phenylene group in the formula, any hydrogen atom is optionallysubstituted with a fluorine atom).
 15. A polymerizable liquid crystalcomposition according to claim
 1. 16. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the retardation layer is an opticallyanisotropic body formed through polymerization of a polymerizable liquidcrystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound having twopolymerizable functional groups.
 17. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the retardation layer is an opticallyanisotropic body formed through polymerization of a polymerizable liquidcrystal composition further containing a liquid crystal compound havingone polymerizable functional group.
 18. The liquid crystal displaydevice according to claim 2, wherein the compound represented by GeneralFormula (I) is a compound represented by any of General Formulae (M-1)to (M-4) and (M-10) to (M-18)

(where R^(M11) to R^(M181) each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 5carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxygroup having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; X^(M11) to X^(M186) each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; Y^(M11) to Y^(M181) eachrepresent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃; and W^(M101) toW^(M172) each independently represent —CH₂— or —O—).
 19. The liquidcrystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the liquid crystalcomposition further contains at least one compound selected from thegroup consisting of compounds represented by General Formulae (III-a) to(III-f)

(where R⁴¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, analkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; X⁴¹to X⁴⁸ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom;and Z⁴¹ represents a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethoxy group, or atrifluoromethyl group).
 20. The liquid crystal display device accordingto claim 2, wherein the liquid crystal composition layer containsdifunctional monomer represented by General Formula (V)

(where X¹ and X² each independently represent a hydrogen atom or amethyl group; Sp¹ and Sp² each independently represent a single bond, analkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or —O—(CH₂)_(s)— (where srepresents an integer from 2 to 7, and the oxygen atom is bonded to anaromatic ring); Z¹ represents —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CF₂O—,—OCF₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CH═CH—COO—, —CH═CH—OCO—, —COO—CH═CH—,—OCO—CH═CH—, —COO—CH₂CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—COO—, —CH₂CH₂—OCO—,—COO—CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂—, —CH₂—COO—, —CH₂—OCO—, —CY¹═CY²— (where Y¹ and Y²each independently represent a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom), —C≡C—,or a single bond; and C represents a 1,4-phenylene group, atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, or a single bond, and in each1,4-phenylene group in the formula, any hydrogen atom is optionallysubstituted with a fluorine atom).